The Lagos State Sports Commission has announced the closure of sports facilities and suspended all sporting activities by the State Government from Monday, March 23, 2020, as part of measures to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on the decision, the Lagos State Sports Commission Chairman, Sola Aiyepeku stated that, as a responsible body, the safety and wellbeing of recreational and professional athletes as well the general population is of high priority to the State Government.

In his words “In line with the directive of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in discouraging gatherings of more than 50, we have taken the step of suspending sporting activities at all LSSC Facilities from Monday, March 23, 2020”.

“Sports naturally draw a lot of people, many entail contact with others. To stem the spread of the virus we have to put such activities on hold till such a time that these activities do not put anyone at risk. We also ask operators of Private Sports Facilities, Gyms and Fitness Centres and organisers of sporting events to follow this directive”, he added.

Aiyepeku maintained that Sports in Lagos requires a healthy and safe citizenry and once the pandemic is under control, activities on pitches and tracks will resume, noting that the step to close all facilities was taken in the best interest of Lagosians.

Recall that most sporting activities across the world have been hit by the coronavirus pandemic as many have been suspended or postponed. The latest casualty is the National Sports Festival, Edo 2020.