The Lagos State Government has mandated that all charity organizers must collaborate with the Lagos State Safety Commission to ensure proper safety measures are in place for large events and distribution activities. This new directive comes in the wake of recent stampede incidents in other states and a stage collapse at an event in Victoria Island.
At a press conference, the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, stressed that the government is committed to preventing accidents and ensuring public safety at all times. Mojola attributed past stampedes to factors such as rushing, negligence, complacency, and frustration during food distributions. He emphasized that event planners, especially those organizing charitable events with over 250 attendees, must consult the Safety Commission to adhere to crowd control and safety guidelines.
Gbenga Omotosho, the state’s Commissioner for Information, explained that this precautionary move was spurred by recent incidents in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo, as well as a reported stage collapse at a beach event in Victoria Island, Lagos. He stressed that this new regulation aims to prevent similar occurrences in Lagos and ensure that events are conducted in a safe and controlled manner.
Omotosho pointed out that, moving forward, anyone planning a large-scale event, whether individuals, religious bodies, or corporate entities, must register with the Lagos State Safety Commission. Failure to do so will result in strict legal consequences.
He further stated, “On behalf of the governor, we want to assure Lagosians that we are taking every precaution to prevent such tragic events from happening here. Lagos has always been proactive in preparing for large events, as seen with events like the Greater Lagos Fiesta, which has been expanded to include the Boat Regatta and other activities this year.”
He also referred to the recent incident at Sol Beach, Victoria Island, where a stage collapsed during a show, though no fatalities occurred. “We cannot allow such incidents to slip through without addressing them,” he added.
The government is urging all individuals and groups planning charitable activities or large public gatherings to work closely with the Safety Commission to avoid tragic accidents. Omotosho emphasized, “Charity should never turn tragic. Those who ignore these regulations and fail to ensure crowd control will be held accountable for any ensuing harm.”
This new directive reflects the state’s commitment to safety, with a clear message to event organizers: ensure proper safety measures or face the consequences. The Lagos State government is determined to make public events and charitable activities safe for all, preventing the kinds of tragedies that have occurred elsewhere.
