By Yemi Sodeeq,

The Deputy Governor of Edo State and Chairman, 2020 National Sports Festival, NSF Local Organising Committee, LOC, Philip Shaibu has described the new January 3rd to 17th date as ‘insensitive’ even as he proposes the festival to hold in March or April 2021.

Speaking to the newsmen recently at Benin, Shuiabu argued that new date as suggested by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 is not realistic giving the fact the decision was made without proper consultations.

“The PTF are not sensitive to the feelings of our people and I think the council of sports is the highest decision making as far as a competition like this is concerned”

He further stated that the council even after meeting will also need to inform the host state to be part of the new arrangements that they are fixing giving the cultural approach.

Noting that the new date falls within the yuletide season, Shuiabu added that it could jeopardise adequate preparation of athletes towards the multi-sports event.

“The council of sports will hold a meeting to discuss the date the PTF has suggested. I think the date could be adjusted to may be around March ending or beginning of April and that will be subjected to the decision of Council state.” he concluded.

National Sports festival was initially scheduled to hold in March in Benin, Edo State but was postponed till December due to the outbreak of COVID-19 with the December date yet again unrealistic.

Meanwhile investigation revealed that athletes from across the states of the federation are now discouraged because of the incessant changing of date.