In a bid to prevent tragic incidents and ensure public safety, the Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the Executive Arm of Government to regulate large public gatherings.
This move comes after a tragic stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair, in Ibadan, on December 18, 2024, which resulted in loss of many lives, predominantly children.
The motion, titled “Need for the executive arm of government to regulate large public gatherings to ensure safety and prevent tragic incidents,” was moved by Hon. A.O. Babalola (Ibadan North-East 1) and co-sponsored by Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin (Ibarapa East), Speaker; Hons. S.A. Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), Leader of the House; A.O. Owolabi (Ibadan North East II), O.A. Omikunle (Ibadan South East II), O.C. Rahman (Oyo East/West), and O.A. Ogunsola (Iwajowa).
The House noted the incidence with profound sadness and acknowledged the state government’s swift response in providing medical assistance to victims.
Stronger governmental oversight
However, the lawmakers emphasised the need for stronger governmental oversight and proactive inter-agency collaborations to prevent similar disasters.
The motion reads in part: “Aware that large gatherings, especially those anticipated to host, require comprehensive planning, suitable venues, crowd management strategies, and emergency preparedness.
“The absence of these measures significantly increases the risk of avoidable incidents, such as stampedes, resulting in unnecessary loss of life.”
The motion noted that similar incidents occurred in other states hence the need for government at all levels to take proactive steps on the matter.
“Nigeria, underscoring a nationwide concern. On 21″ December 2024, at least ten (10) people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede during a charity event at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja. On the same day, in Okija, Anambra State, a stampede at a food distribution event resulted in the deaths of twenty two (22) individuals.
“These incidents highlighted the pervasive risks associated with large public gatherings across the country.”
The House resolved to urge the Executive Arm of Government to ensure that proposed venues for public events expected to host 500 people and above meet safety and capacity standards before granting approval.
Oyo Assembly further called on the Executive Arm of Government to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to develop and enforce guidelines for event organisers on safety measures, crowd management, and emergency response preparedness.
The lawmakers emphasised the need for organisers of gatherings involving minors to secure permits from relevant authorities before conducting such events, harping on the need for law enforcement agencies to ensure that organisers of public gatherings comply with necessary procedures to prevent future tragedies.
The House also called on the House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Social Inclusion to liaise with relevant ministries to propose practical steps for implementing the necessary measures and improving oversight of public gatherings.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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