The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has announced the closure of the National Stadium for any activities from this weekend to allow for proper cleaning and maintenance in readiness for the National Sports Festival.
Constructed in 2003, the 60,000-capacity edifice was abandoned from hosting sporting events due to poor condition.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports development, Adesola Olusade said the closure became necessary to pave way for clearing of the bushes both within the stadium and its surrounding.
Olusade who is also the chairman, main organising committee for the 19th festival said the stadium will be used for opening and closing ceremony in addition to other events that will take place in the edifice.
“We have restored light and water to the stadium and we are trying to embark on proper cleaning of all the rooms both at the package A and B.
“This cleaning will not only be for Abuja National Stadium alone, we will carry out proper maintenance and cleaning in all the facilities that we are going to use for the festival”
The 19th edition of National Sports Festival starts December 6 to 16.
