Sports
‘We’re Prepared To Deal With Possible Coronavirus Case’
Edo’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, says the state government has measures in place to deal with viruses such as coronavirus in case they threaten the 2020 National Sports Festival (NSF).
Shaibu, who gave the assurance in Benin on Saturday at the state’s Infectious Disease Isolation Centre, Department of Disease Control, said the state had effectively dealt with Lassa fever.
“We dealt with other issues which seemed bigger than this, and coronavirus will be no exception,’’ he said.
Shaibu spoke shortly after he conducted the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Gabriel Aduda, who represented the minister, Sunday Dare, at an event in Benin.
“The issue of coronavirus is one issue we all must deal with. When you have over 11,000 people in the city as your responsibility, you have to put all mechanisms in place to guarantee their safety and their health.
“We in Edo already have measures to deal with various issues like coronavirus, because Lassa fever has been a major issue. This centre was built for Lassa fever and it’s going to be used now if need be for any case of COVID-19.
“This centre will be used to isolate and treat any issues of Lassa fever or coronavirus. We are going round to inspect all our facilities in preparation for the 20th NSF and take all the necessary measures.
“We decided to bring members of Main Organising Committee (MOC) to this centre, being one of the facilities that will be dedicated for the purpose of the NSF in case there are any issues related to Lassa or coronavirus.”
While responding, Aduda congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki and Shaibu for the impressive work they had done in preparation for the hosting of the NSF.
“Their foresight is indeed amazing, because we have not only looked at the fast pace of work but we have also seen that the state is ready just in case there is any case of coronavirus during the festival.
“But we are not praying for it. However, it’s also very gratifying that the state is ready and even has an isolation centre for any outbreak,” he said.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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