Lagos warns event organisers against safety lapses during festive season

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to organisers of charity activities and events during the festive period, emphasizing that any negligence leading to tragic incidents will be treated as a criminal offence.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, made this known during a press briefing, highlighting the need for event organisers expecting over 250 participants to register with the Lagos State Safety Commission.

He stressed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is deeply concerned about past tragedies linked to charity events and is determined to prevent such occurrences in Lagos.

Omotoso stated that regardless of the nature of the event, organisers must engage with the state’s Safety Commission to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

He added that all emergency agencies in the state have been put on alert to mitigate any potential risks during this period.

In addition, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, urged Lagos residents to act as their brothers’ keepers by promptly reporting any incidents that could escalate into tragedies. He encouraged residents to call the state’s toll-free lines to enable the government to take swift action.

“Lagos residents should understand the seriousness of this matter. If anyone observes actions or situations that pose a threat to public safety, they should immediately alert the relevant agencies,” Oyerinde emphasized.

The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, also advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid storing flammable items, especially during the harmattan season.

She clarified that while harmattan conditions exacerbate fires, they are not the root cause.

Adeseye also discouraged the use of fireworks during the festive period and warned traders against storing such items without adhering to proper safety measures.

She further revealed that Lagos has recorded 1,749 fire incidents in 2024 so far, with 75% of these incidents attributed to carelessness and human error.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe and tragedy-free festive season, urging all stakeholders to prioritize safety above all else.

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