Lagos State Government has directed individuals, philanthropists and organisations to obtain permits from state safety agencies for events expecting more than 250 attendees, especially during and after the festive season.
This directive, aimed at preventing stampedes like those recently witnessed in Anambra, Oyo, and Abuja, seeks to ensure the safety of lives. Non-compliance will attract sanctions, according to the government.
During a media briefing on Sunday, the commissioner for special duties and inter-governmental relations Gbenga Oyerinde and the commissioner for information and strategy Gbenga Omotosho alongside safety commission heads highlighted the critical role of crowd control in preventing tragedies.
Mr. Omotosho further stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is deeply concerned about these incidents and urged strict adherence to safety protocols, emphasising that charitable acts must not lead to tragedy.
“The Lagos State Government is seriously concerned about the stampede incidents in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja. Any individual, group, or organisation planning to distribute items or host large gatherings must obtain clearance from the state government and register with the safety commissions,” Omotosho stated.
He added that event organisers could also request ambulances from the state government at a reasonable fee.
Oyerinde encouraged residents to utilize the state’s toll-free emergency lines, 767 and 112, for prompt assistance during emergencies.
Director-general of the Lagos Safety Commission Lanre Mojola announced that the registration process for large gatherings has been streamlined online. Interested parties can register their events via www.LSG.safetyreg.com.
