The Lagos State Government has taken steps to ensure that the rising trend of stampedes during gift distribution to vulnerable persons or any other philanthropic gestures does not spread to the state.
The State Government has mandated individuals and groups intending to distribute gifts to residents in the state to seek clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission before proceeding with their philanthropic gestures to ensure proper crowd control.
In a statement signed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and obtained by Investors King on Monday, December 23, the state government sympathized with families affected during the multiple stampedes that occurred in the country.
The Lagos State government expressed concern over these stampedes describing the series of tragic events as worrisome.
The statement read, “The Lagos State Government has observed with serious concern the stampede during philanthropic gestures of individuals and organizations in some parts of the country.
Sympathizing with the affected families, the statement added, “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sympathizes with families whose loved ones were involved in the stampede that led to loss of lives in some states.
Announcing the fresh directive, Omotoso stated, “To prevent such occurrences in Lagos State, all individuals or groups that intend to distribute items to large gatherings of people are advised to seek clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission, which is well-equipped to ensure that such events do not turn tragic.
The state government highlighted that the Lagos State Safety Commission is fully equipped to control large crowds and ensure order during public outings.
Individuals and groups are advised to register and get clearance for their events via the commission’s platforms.
The statement continued, “The agency has a partnership with security agencies to ensure crowd control at locations with large numbers of people.
“Individuals and groups can register their events and get clearance through the Safety Commission’s platform.”
On other safety measures put in place by the state to prevent stampede, the statement stated, “The Government has activated all its safety mechanisms, following a directive from Mr Governor who has also summoned a meeting of all safety agencies.
Besides, Mr Governor has directed that the ongoing advocacy against fire and flooding, among others, should be strengthened.”
The state government advised event organizers to comply with this directive as defaulters would face strict sanctions.