The former Director in the Ministry of Sport, Dr Ademola Are, has expressed disappointment over recent outcry about the N21b needed to completely fix the National Stadium, Surulere.Information Guide Nigeria

Recently, there have been speculations and mixed reactions about the cost of renovating the National Stadium in Surulere.

THE NATION reports that the speculations may have missed some vital points as investigations revealed that contrary to the report of a National Newspaper, that the Ministry has requested a sum of N21b from the government.

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However, checks revealed that for a 51-year-old Stadium, abandoned for 18 years and compared with others, the cost of renovation will be about what was mentioned by the Minister.NYSC Portal

Are said: “This is not true because investigations revealed that Ministry has not requested or received such money from the Federal Government.

“The Minister of Sports only mentioned the estimated amount for the complete Renovation of the National stadium, Surulere based on the submission of a company and such estimates, are subject to review; according to industry experts.

“The reactions that has followed this disclosure have been unfortunate, uninformed and retrogressive.”

He further said : “How does the mere mention of a figure, become the collection of that money? There is so much ignorance around the workings of government. “The request must go to the Federal Executive Council. If it gets there, the BPP will do a rigorous costing and approve a reasonable amount in writing, before the Minister can take it to Council. Even at the Council, it will be subjected to interrogations, questions and possible amendments before it is approved or rejected. So, the mere pronouncement of a figure does not automatically mean it has been approved or released.”

As reported by THE NATION, the Stadium in Surulere which suffered abandonment for 18 years was at its lowest ebb, before it got picked up by Dare for an upgrade.JAMB Result