•As Sports Minister orders closure
By Joe Apu
Athletes and sports enthusiasts who usually throng the National Stadium, Surulere on weekends to train were on Saturday shut out of the facility following the closure by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
As early as 7:30 am many of the athletes and other sports enthusiasts that had arrived the National Stadium, Surulere were not allowed into the stadium premises as security officials kept them out stressing that they had orders from the top to close the facility to the public.
one of the athletes who spoke to Sunday Sun Sports on the condition of anonymity having waited till 9:00 am without gaining entry stated that pleas to the security officials fell on deaf ears as they insisted that they must obey the rules.
“It’s unfair of the Sports Ministry to shut down the stadium just because one floodlight mast fell. What they should do is cordon off the area and let people have their usual exercises. This is the only facility open to the public but it’s been shut down. Where do they want all of these people here to go to? We have been coming here for years to ease off and keep in shape. There’s a need for the facility to be reopened,” he stated.
However, while the security operatives maintained sealed lops, it was gathered that the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare had ordered the closure.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Dare announced the temporary closure of the National Stadium at Surulere in Lagos due to the collapse of a floodlight mast.
Dare said in a statement that the development arose after his inspection of the collapsed floodlight mast.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dare had paid a scheduled visit to the stadium on Friday, promising to make his stand known after due assessment.
However, after the tour around the stadium, the minister ordered the closure of the stadium to avert any unforeseen circumstances.
“Thank God there was no casualty. I also inspected the three other floodlight masts and the effects of age and weather elements were visible. Clearly, they are also a suspect after 51 years.
“Based on my assessment, advice of experts and in the interest of public safety, there will be a temporary closure of the stadium and surrounding facilities. Proper assessment and necessary action will be taken soon.
“The concession process towards fully privatising the stadium which began last year will be expedited by the Federal Government through the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) towards a comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade of the 51-year-old edifice.
“We have decided to be 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 ascertain the reality on the ground,” said the minister.