By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Government has warned prospective event managers in the state to ensure strict compliance to safety measures during this yuletide season and beyond.
The state government said it is doing everything to prevent accidents of any form in public places while urging residents to prioritise safety at all times.
Speaking at a joint press conference organised by both the state’s Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations and Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho said the move becomes necessary following incidents of stampede in some parts of the country as well as a reported incident of a stage collapse at a beach event in Victoria Island, Lagos
Omotoso called on event organisers to make adequate preparation on crowd control before embarking on any philanthropic gestures and events to forestall stampedes.
He explained that henceforth, individuals, religious and corporate bodies that wish to hold any form of event in the state must register with the Lagos State Safety Commission or face the full wrath of the law.
“We are here on behalf of the governor to tell Lagosians that he feels concerned about the report of stampedes in some parts of the country and will not want such happening here in Lagos. In Lagos state, we have adequate preparations for every big event and we do so every year, we used to have the Greater Lagos Fiesta, this year, we added a Boat Regatta and others.
“Unfortunately, we got a report that at Sol Beach Victoria Island, there was a stage collapse during a show and fortunately nobody died in that incident. This has made us to say that we do not want the matter to just slide away.
“To prevent such occurrences in Lagos State, all individuals or groups that intend to hold an event or distribute any items at all to large gatherings of people are advised to seek clearance from the Safety Commission.”
Omotoso maintained that Lagos Safety Commission has a partnership with security agencies who are well equipped to control crowds and will connect individuals and groups to the appropriate agencies to proper operational event management.
“Any act of charity should not turn tragic for our people, so to those who feel that the government is just doing this for nothing and can just gather a crowd and begin distribution of items and huge crowd beefs up and tragic incidents happen, the person will have him or herself to blame.”
On his part, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter- Governmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde identified rushing, negligence, complacency and frustration on part of the people during distribution of food items. He said event planners must follow safety rules and residents or anyone who wishes to do charity for people of over 250 must engage the Agency through its website, www.lasgsafetyreg.com.
In a related development, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra called for a more structured and safer approach to distributing relief materials or palliatives to prevent stampedes and loss of lives.
Soludo, in a statement expressed deep grief on the tragic loss of lives and sympathised with families of those who lost their loved ones.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, especially the women, the elderly, pregnant, nursing mothers and children who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.
“According to available information, the state government acknowledges that the Obi Jackson Foundation, led by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, organised the event.
“And the event was with the noble intention of sharing relief materials to the less privileged during this festive season.
“However, the resulting tragedy underscores the urgent need for a more structured and safer approach to distributing such assistance to prevent stampede and loss of lives,” he said.
The governor said a prompt and thorough investigation had been initiated to determine the root causes of the unfortunate event.
Soludo said the government would work closely with relevant agencies to ensure that any negligence or lapses in safety protocols were duly addressed.
He urged well-meaning individuals and organisations engaged in charitable activities to prioritise the safety and well-being of beneficiaries.
“It is strongly advised that future distributions of relief materials be conducted in a more organised and decentralised manner, with adequate crowd control measures in place.
“This may include establishing multiple distribution points within the community to reduce overcrowding at a single location.
“Implement a system to prioritise vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with disabilities; as well as employing trained personnel to manage crowds.
“Ensure orderly queues, provide assistance to those in need; and conduct public awareness to educate the public on safety protocols during such events,” he said.
In the same vein, Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN) Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice issued a series of directives to law enforcement and local authorities to forestall tragedies at gatherings.
Ajulo in a statement, yesterday, said the guidelines, documented in Directive No. 01-1224, were aimed at regulating public gatherings and ensuring protection of lives and property during events.
According to him, the directives are anchored in the powers vested in the Attorney General under Section 195 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 62 and 95 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ondo State 2015, and Sections 2 and 4 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.
Ajulo said the guidelines prioritised public safety while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
“The directives include assessment of crowds: Law enforcement agencies are to conduct thorough risk assessments of any planned gatherings.
“Factors to consider include expected attendance, location, and potential for unrest.
“Notification Requirements: – Organisers of public events must notify local authorities prior to the event.
“Notifications should include details such as date, time, venue, and expected number of attendees.”
He also included “deployment of personnel which is inclusive of adequate police and security personnel that must be deployed to gather intelligence and maintain order before and during events.
“Crowd management teams will be responsible for monitoring the event and addressing any issues that arise.”
The attorney general said others included communication protocols: Establishing clear communication channels between event organisers and law enforcement.
“Regular updates should be shared to ensure swift responses to any crowd-related incidents.
“Use of Technology: Utilise surveillance and monitoring technology to observe crowd dynamics in real-time.
‘Drones and CCTV cameras may be employed where necessary to enhance security.
“Public Awareness Campaigns: -Conduct campaigns to educate the public on safety measures during gatherings.
“Promote peaceful assembly and discourage violence or unlawful behaviour.
“Emergency Response Plans: Develop and disseminate emergency response plans for potential incidents.
“All personnel must be trained on these protocols,” he said.
Ajulo said that it also included Medical and Emergency Preparedness: ensuring that a qualified medical team, emergency preparedness team, ambulances, and security personnel are present for events with over 300 participants, whether spiritual, physical, political, or social.
“Position medical teams and security personnel strategically within and outside the venue.
‘Provision of Essentials: Provide accessible packs of drinking water for participants.
“Ensure mobile toilets are available, with a sanitation team to maintain cleanliness.
“Venue Accessibility:- Avoid venues with only one entrance or exit to facilitate smooth crowd movement.
” Legal Compliance: All actions taken must comply with all the laws in operations in Nigeria with full adherence and respect to the Constitutional rights of citizens to assemble peacefully.
“Any violations of these directives may result in legal action against the organizers or participants,” he said.
Ajulo stated that the directives also called for enhanced collaboration between event organizers, law enforcement agencies, and local government authorities.
He said the importance of proactive measures, including communication protocols and venue accessibility to prevent incidents and ensure public safety cannot be over emphasised.
The chief law officer of the state reiterated that the measures were designed to protect lives and property, urging full compliance from all parties involved.
“These crowd control measures are a testament to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to fostering a secure environment for public gatherings in Ondo state.
“Stakeholders are advised to familiarise themselves with the directives to avoid legal repercussions and contribute to a safer society,” Ajulo stated.