By OLUWASEYI ODUNEYE-OGUNWOMOJU

The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the state Executive Arm of Government to regulate large public gatherings to ensure safety and prevent tragic incidents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the call followed a tragic stampede that occurred at a private children?s funfair in Ibadan on Dec. 18, 2024.

The stampede resulted in the death 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 Abiodun Babalola (PDP-Ibadan North-East 1).

It was co-sponsored by Mr Adebo Ogundoyin (PDP-Ibarapa East), who is also the Speaker of the House.

The assembly noted the incident with profound sadness and acknowledged the government?s swift response in providing medical assistance to the victims.

However, the house emphasised the need for stronger governmental oversight and proactive inter-agency collaborations to prevent similar disasters.

It noted that gatherings, especially those anticipated to host a large number of people, required comprehensive planning, suitable venues, crowd management strategies and emergency preparedness.

It said the absence of these measures would significantly increase the risk of avoidable incidents, such as stampedes, resulting in unnecessary loss of life.

The assembly noted that similar incidents occurred in other states, hence the need for government at all levels to take proactive steps on the matter.

It cited the death of at least 10 people, including children, due to a stampede during a charity event at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, on Dec. 21, 2024.

The house recalled that on the same day, in Okija, Anambra State, a stampede at a food distribution event resulted in the death of 22 individuals.

With these incidents, the assembly highlighted the pervasive risks associated with large public gatherings across the country.

It, therefore, resolved that the executive should henceforth ensure that proposed venues for public events expected to host 500 people and above meet safety and capacity standards.

According to the house, approvals for such events will follow the satisfaction of the required standards.

The assembly further called the executive to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to develop and enforce guidelines for event organisers on safety measures, crowd management, and emergency response preparedness.

It emphasised the need for organisers of gatherings involving minors to secure permits from relevant authorities before going ahead with such events.

The house harped on the need for law enforcement agencies to ensure that organisers of public gatherings comply with necessary procedures to prevent future tragedies.

Thereafter, it directed its Committee on Women Affairs and Social Inclusion to liaise with relevant ministries to propose practical steps to implement the measures and improve oversight of public gatherings. (NAN)

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