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After a tour around the stadium, Dare gave the closure order to avert further unforeseen circumstances.
Following the collapse of a floodlight mast at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria's Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on Saturday announced a temporal closure of the edifice.
Dare made this known in a statement after inspecting the collapsed floodlight mast.
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Dare tour Surulere Stadium
A massive downpour in the Surulere area of Lagos on Wednesday had led to one of the floodlights poles at the National Stadium, collapsing. No injuries nor casualties were recorded as there was neither vehicular nor human traffic at the time of the incident, according to eyewitnesses.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dare had paid a scheduled visit to the stadium on Friday, promising to make his stand known after due assessment.
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However, after the tour around the stadium, the minister ordered the closure of the stadium to avert any unforeseen circumstances.
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Surulere Stadium to undergo temporal closure - Sports Minister
Reacting to the incident, the sports minister said: “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.
“Thank God there was no casualty. I also inspected the three other light masts and the effects of age and weather elements were visible, clearly, they are also a suspect after 51 years.
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“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 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,” added Dare.
Since its opening in 1972, the National Stadium in Surulere has hosted numerous memorable events, including the 1973 All-Africa Games, the 1980 and 2000 African Cup of Nations as well as the FIFA World Youth Championship.
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