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By Peter Akinbo.
Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare has ordered the immediate close of the National Stadium, Lagos, Saturday PUNCH reports.
Dare visited the stadium Friday, after the collapse of the floodlights on Wednesday, and inspected the remaining three floodlights and other facilities.
The minister ordered the immediate temporary closure of the stadium and the cordoning off of the mainbowl area, where the floodlights are located.
Dare took to his Twitter account to give an update on the proceedings at the national edifice, which was built in 1972 under the administration of General Yakubu Gowon.
“Friday morning at 7am I inspected the floodlight mast that broke in half & collapsed from the rainstorm last wednesday. Thank God there was no casualty. I also inspected the 3 other light masts & the effects of age & weather elements were visible,” he wrote.
The minister announced that the ministry believes the best course of action was to temporarily close the stadium until necessary action has been taken.
He stated, “Clearly they are also suspect after 51 years. Based on my assessment, advice of experts and in the interest of public safety, the ministry will announce shortly the temporary closure of the stadium and surrounding facilities for proper assessment and necessary action.
“The concession process towards fully privatising the Surulere stadium, which began last year, will be expedited by the Federal Government through the ICRC towards a comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade of the 51 years old edifice.
“We have decided to err on the side of caution, hence the decision to impose extensive restrictions around the stadium. We request the cooperation of anyone who this decision may inconvenience as we cannot the reality on the ground.”