The governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has ordered the reopening of football viewing centres, just a day after Spanish La Liga resumed after two months of inactivity due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Recall that following the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state, the governor had banned mass gatherings in a bid to contain the spread of the virus in the state.
However, as some major European leagues resumed, including Bundesliga La Liga and Serie A, Mr Ganduje ordered the reopening of the football viewing centres but with total compliance to COVID-19 protocols.
In a statement by Mr Ganduje’s Chief Press Secretary, Abba Anwar, on Friday, the governor gave the directive when the leadership of Soccer Viewing Centres Association, Kano State, paid him a courtesy call at his office.
He also donated 40,000 face masks to leadership of the association for distribution in their viewing centres in order to strengthen observance of the laid down protocols.
“It is in line with our decision to see that our economy bounces back, through reinvigorating commercial and other business activities in the state, that I have directed all viewing centres to be re-opened from today,” Mr Ganduje was quoted as saying in the statement.
He, however, urged the food all viewing centre operators to use the place to create awareness among youth on ways to help curb the pandemic in the state.
In his remarks, the state’s chairman of the association, Sharu Rabi’u-Ahlan commended Mr Ganduje’s effort for response against COVID-19.
He assured that, “Your Excellency on behalf of all our members we are appreciative of your unrelenting effort to human development, especially youth, in the state.”
“We are grateful for the face masks His Excellency gave us. And we promise to abide by all the protocols Sir. Our members are always supportive of your policies. And we are in good working relationship with the state Ministry of Information and the state Censorship Board,” he said.
