National Stadium Floodlight Pole Collapses Amid Heavy Rain,

On Wednesday, a floodlight pole at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, collapsed following a heavy downpour across the city.

According to an account by eyewitnesses, no injuries or casualties occurred, as there were no vehicles or pedestrians in the area at the time of the incident.

Kayode Ogunbemi, a regular visitor to the Sports City, as the National Stadium is affectionately called, explained that the heavy rain had driven people away from the vicinity of the fallen pole. "The rain was a blessing, honestly, because everyone at the stadium had sought shelter elsewhere, and thankfully, no cars were parked nearby at the time," he said.

This incident took place just two weeks after the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, inspected the National Stadium to evaluate ongoing work and provide clarifications.

Premium Times reported that the Minister was adamant that addressing the 18-year decay at the stadium could not be rushed within two years, particularly given the limited funding available.

The National Stadium in Lagos has been a symbol of Nigeria's sporting accomplishments since its inauguration in 1972. It has been the venue for numerous unforgettable events, such as the 1973 All-Africa Games, the 1980 African Cup of Nations, and the 2000 FIFA World Youth Championship.

However, due to inadequate maintenance and infrastructure, the stadium has experienced a gradual decline, prompting concerns about its safety.