Edo state will play host to the 2020 National Sports Festival and Governor  Godwin Obaseki has promised to give the country the best ever National Sports Festival.

Minister of Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung announced that Edo State has been awarded the hosting right of the 2020 edition after the 19th came to an end in Abuja last Sunday with thirty-five states in attendance.

Governor Obaseki in his speech said Edo is ready to fight to overcome any challenges that might make it difficult for the state to host a memorable festival come 2020.

“ I and the people of Edo State assure you that the confidence reposed in us would be justified. There will not come a time anyone will have cause to regret this momentous decision you have taken to hand us this hosting right.

“Like the valiant British fighter pilots of World War II, we will take every step necessary, make every sacrifice needed, and climb every height necessary to deliver the best Games in the annals of the Sports Festival.”

“There will be challenges on the way, no doubt but we are Edo people.  We have the men who can do the job and the facilities that will facilitate performance.”

“Whatever challenges there are, we will overcome because Edo people tread were even lions do not. Like our warriors of old, we will slay every foe and surmount every obstacle to succeed.”

The Edo number one citizen promised the 2020 festival will be different from what the country has seen in the past.

“The 2020 Sports Festival will be different from any previously hosted and any that will come after it. Perhaps it can only be surpassed in splendour and organization the next time Edo State hosts it afterward.”

“The Edo 2020 Sports Festival will be a festival thriving on “strategy, organization, technical apparatus, science, mechanics, and morale”.

“We make a solemn promise today that we will give it our all and at the end of the day everyone would say of the 2020 Games, “this is our festival in which we are well pleased”, the Governor declared.”