The National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club Rev. Samuel Ikpea has lauded the initiative taken by the Federal Government to close all National Stadia in the country as a step to curtail the Coronavirus.
Rev. Ikpea who spoke exclusively to Sports Intelligence Magazine described the initiative was a proactive measure and it was a step taken in the right direction.
“I am happy that the Sports Minister has done the needful, he did not need to wait to receive news of cases arising from the use of the facilities before ordering the closure of the Stadium”
“It baffled me that since the ban on social gathering by the government both at state and Federal levels people still gather at the national stadium in Lagos for one form of exercise and hangouts, thereby exposing themselves to the risks of contacting the virus”
“The closure will definitely give room for those going there to stay at home and obey preventive measures as recommended by the government, and I think it is the best thing to be done for now”
When prompted to speak on other three stadia in the country that were affected by the closure, Rev. Sam. Ikpea said:
“For now, I can only speak about the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos because I live in Lagos. I am not in other states and cannot determine how busy they are, but going by my knowledge of the National Stadium in Surulere, I can tell that it is filled with beehive of activities”
Ikpea did not also fail to remind the states government to follow the path of the Federal Government and lock down state owned stadia, so that avenues will not be created for the coronavirus to spread.
“I will also advise the state governments to lock down state owned stadia, it will surely help consolidate the efforts of the Federal Government, with that we can keep watch” he concluded.
Rev. Ikpea also used the opportunity to officially announce the lock-down of NFSC activities, suspending the activities of the state chapters for a period of two weeks to enable members stay at home and monitor the situation of things following the coronavirus outbreak
“He advised that mischief makers who have formed the habit of circulating unnecessary and unconfirmed “BREAKING NEWS” about the virus to desist from doing such, as this is not the time to instigate fears.
“FEAR itself is more dangerous than the VIRUS, and I will really advise everyone to avoid putting unnecessary fear and tension in the environment, rather obey directives from the government and STAY AT HOME”.
“He also charged all to seek the face of God at this moment, and pray more, saying :”This is the time we need to seek the face of God to know what he has to say, in time like this”, Hab. 2:1.
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