FCT schools to vacate a week before National Sports Festival, says Minister

Schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja will go on holidays in December to allow the FCT host the 19th National Sports Festival, the Territory’s Minister, Mohammed Bello has revealed.

Speaking during the unveiling of the festivals’ programme, Bello, who was represented by FCT’s Permanent Secretary, Christian Oha, said Abuja was ready to host Nigerian youths in atmosphere that would give them the opportunity to excel in the various events.

He said, “I am pleased to inform you all that we have adjusted the school calendar in the Federal Capital Territory to accommodate the Games without reducing the expected length of the Term/Session. Schools within the FCT will now vacate for the first term by the first week of December, 2018.

“We have carefully selected competent and experienced persons to constitute the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Games. The LOC has since swung into action and I have been receiving regular updates on their activities.”

Bello also revealed that efforts were on to secure adequate and acceptable accommodation for athletes and officials expected to be in the Games Villages, adding, “we are working with all relevant agencies to ensure security of persons and facilities/venues from arrival to departure of all participants. I can assure you that all transport logistics shall be in place before the Opening Ceremony for the Games.

“In addition, I have directed all Secretary’s in the FCTA to give maximum cooperation to both the LOC and the MOC to ensure a smooth and hitch-free hosting of the Games.”