The Minister of Youths and Sport Development, Sunday Dare, on Saturday announced the temporary closure of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, due to the collapse of a floodlight mast.

Dare made this known in a statement after inspecting 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 round the stadium, the minister ordered the closure of the stadium to avert any unforseen circumstances.

“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.

“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 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,” said the minister.

(NAN) except headline. 

Picture, Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare during the inspection tour of the collapsed National Stadium Floodlight mast on Friday. 

Segun Idowu a young footballer with Barnet FC, Lokoja, Kogi State, has slumped on the pitch after colliding with his team mate and died later.

Thus occured on Friday during a match in the on-going Kogi FA Chairman’s Cup at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja.

In a statement from the Kogi State Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Suleiman Isah Umar, described the untimely death of the young lad as shocking and painful to the football family in Kogi.

He said the entire Kogi State Football Association was on Friday thrown into mourning due to the death of the promising footballer.

”We were shocked this morning when we received with a heavy heart the news that Segun, a footballer with Barnet FC,

Lokoja who slumped and fell on the field after a collision with his team mate has passed away.

“We were on the field when the collision happened. He was revived and quickly rushed to the hospital. Report coming out of the hospital said  he was doing fine and we kept praying all along that God Almighty intervene; only to get the sad news that he has given up the ghost,” said Umar.

Umar added that “The entire football family in Lokoja is absolutely sad by the passing away of the promising talent. It was a simple case of collision on the field, but unfortunately Segun has to pass through that path to return to his creator.

“God will repose his soul and comfort his immediate and extended family during this trying period; and we pray not to witness such moment again.”