By Amaechi Agbo

The Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will Wednesday declare 20th edition of the National Sports Festival, NSF closed.

The 10-day national sports event commenced on Sunday, April 4th and will be rounded up on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.

As part of activities to draw the curtain on the 20th edition of the festival, the Vice President will be accompanied by the minister of youth and Sports, Sunday Dare along with the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, among others

A release by Ebomhiana Musa, Project Manager,
Media and Communications for the festival notes that order of events for the closing ceremony of the National Sports Festival, show that the event will last for just three (3) hours, 6pm to 9pm, Wednesday, April 14, 2020.

“The only sporting event slated for the day is the relay race, mixed relay, 4 x 100 meters and 4 x 400 meters for men and women.

“Three A Class Nigerian artists have been lined up to spice up the ceremony. These are Franchize, Joeboy and Teni the Entertainer.”

The release added that there will be a parade by athletes, short speeches by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Honorable Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare and the Deputy Governor who also doubles as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, LOC, Rt Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu.

“The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is expected to declare the games closed after which the torch of unity which was lit at the start of the games will be extinguished.”

It it not clear at the time of this report if the Vice President would honour the closing ceremony after he shunned the opening ceremony last week.

It is also expected that at the closing ceremony, the host for the 21st edition which should hold next year would be announced.

So far, only Kaduna State has reportedly indicated interest to host the festival in 2021.