Oyo mandates safety measures for Christmas funfair organisers
Oyo State Government, on Friday, mandated all media outfits and organisations hosting end-of-the-year children’s funfairs and other public gatherings to implement robust safety measures throughout the period of their programmes.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, said the government would act firmly in dealing with organisers of any social gathering which may potentially jeopardize the safety of the populace, particularly the children and the elderly, as the year runs to an end.
Oyelade stressed that the government had observed with alarm that despite the unfortunate incident which befell many families, on Wednesday, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, where 35 lives mostly children were lost and many others injured, many media houses are still running jingles for end of the year children’s funfair.
He said, “The state is still reeling in the shock of the recent avoidable sad incident and members of the public should show solidarity in commiserating with the bereaved families as the state strives to rise from the dust of mourning.
“Although, some organisations have decided to give children a beautiful end of the year funfair, the government will not look away from any sight of potential danger such gatherings may present especially to children.”
The commissioner added that the government had mandated all media houses and other children’s funfair organizers in the state to engage relevant security agencies and medical personnel including the state Ministry of Health on concrete arrangements to ensure adequate measures are put in place to prevent the repeat of the black Wednesday.
“We encourage all event planners to prioritize the provision of adequate security personnel on-site, proper crowd control measures, and immediate access to medical assistance.
“As we celebrate yuletide, we must also acknowledge the responsibilities that come with hosting such events. The tragic incident at Islamic High School which claimed 35 lives is a wake-up call for all of us.
“We must learn from this experience and take necessary steps to ensure that our children can enjoy these programmes in a safe and secure environment,” he insisted.
