Few hours after the Edo state government announced the closure of primary and secondary schools across the state to ensure adequate preparation for its hosting of the National Sports Festival, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday approved postponement of the games as a precautionary move against COVID-19.
Minister of Sports, Mr Sunday Dare disclosed the presidential directive on his twitter account on Tuesday.
According to his tweet; ” Following the briefing of Mr. President from myself and the Minister of State for Health on COVID 19, Mr. President approved the immediate postponement of Edo Sports festival to a future date “President Mohammadu Buhari approves the postponement of the National Sports Festival Edo 2020 as a precautionary move against COVID-19 spread”.
The sports fiesta was to begin in six days time.
In a statement by Commissioner for Education, Hon. Jimoh ljegbai, said the government has amended the state’s school calendar to give room for the new development.
According to him, “All public and private schools in Edo State are directed to proceed on break from Monday, 23th March, 2020 and should resume 2nd April, 2020 due to the National Sports Festival (NSF) being hosted by Edo State Government from 22nd March, 2020 to 1st April, 2020.
“The 2nd term vacation will now commence Thursday 9th April, 2020. All Schools will now resume for the 3rd Term on Monday 27th April, 2020 originally scheduled. Teachers, parents and pupils/student are enjoined to attend all events of the NSF. This amended calendar is for both public and private schools in the state. (Primary and post primary schools).”
