STAMPEDE: FG, GOVERNORS ISSUE ADVISORY, AS PDP, CAN BLAME SYSTEMIC POLICIES. (PHOTO).

 Stampede: FG, Governors issue advisory, as PDP, CAN blame systemic policies

…Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Alia condemn tragic incidents, commiserate with victims’ families

…FG expresses deep sorrow over tragic loss of lives, pledges immediate govt assistance

…105 lives lost due to poverty-induced neoliberal economic policies, criminal negligence — Falana

…CAN condemns Abuja stampede, urges nationwide reflection

The Federal Government and State Governors have issued a joint advisory on crowd management following a series of deadly stampedes at charitable events across the country.

This move comes as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have pointed to systemic policy failures as the cause of the recurring tragedies, urging urgent reforms in crowd control and the management of public gatherings.

The PDP condemned the recent food stampedes in various states, which have claimed approximately 60 lives, including children. In a statement issued in Abuja, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, placed the blame for these tragedies on the “overtly insensitive, corrupt, and directionless” government of President Bola Tinubu. Ologunagba criticised the ruling APC for falsely claiming economic progress and food sufficiency, while failing to make significant investments in agriculture and food production.

He also accused the government of ignoring calls from the PDP and concerned citizens to reconsider policies such as the sudden increase in fuel prices and the unstructured floating of the naira.

“Rather than deploying resources for the people’s welfare, APC leaders are busy looting public funds through budget padding, contract inflation, palliative racketeering, and phony programs that offer no real benefits to Nigerians,” Ologunagba added.

The PDP called for immediate action from the federal government, including a review of “suffocating economic and tax policies” to ease the suffering of Nigerians and prevent further tragedies.

The party expressed its condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for the tragic loss of lives, praising the governor’s swift response in providing medical assistance to victims.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also extended his sympathies to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State following the deadly stampede during a children’s carnival at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, which claimed 35 lives.

Governor Sanwo-Olu offered condolences to the families of the victims in a letter personally signed by him, describing the incident as devastating and offering prayers for the affected families.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Benue counterpart, Hyacinth Alia, expressed their condolences to the families of victims of recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory. Abiodun described the incidents as “heartbreaking” and urged Nigerians to exercise caution at palliative distribution events, emphasising that “deaths such as these diminish us as a people.”

Governor Alia, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, appealed to charity organisations and event planners to prioritise safety, offering prayers for the grieving families to bear the loss of their loved ones.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has pledged full support to the families of victims who lost their lives in the stampedes. Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a heartfelt message on Sunday, December 22, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedies and assured that relevant government agencies would provide immediate assistance to the affected families.

The series of deadly incidents began on Saturday, December 21, with a stampede in Okija, Anambra State, during a Christmas palliative distribution event, which claimed 22 lives. That same day, another stampede in Abuja at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama during a food-sharing event resulted in 10 deaths. Earlier, on Wednesday, December 18, a stampede at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, led to the deaths of 35 children, with others injured.

Vice President Shettima condemned the loss of innocent lives, describing the events as a “national tragedy.” He expressed particular distress over the deaths of so many children in avoidable stampedes that, he said, could have been prevented through better planning and organisation.

“I am particularly distraught by the fact that so many lives, especially those of children, have been lost in stampedes that ought to have been avoided through proper planning and organisation,” Shettima said.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and promised that the government would spare no effort in providing the necessary support to help them cope with their loss.

In Lagos, the state government has warned prospective event organisers to ensure strict compliance with safety measures during this festive season and beyond. The warning follows reports of stampedes in other parts of the country, as well as a stage collapse at a beach event in Victoria Island, Lagos.

At a joint press conference, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, called on event organisers to prepare adequately for crowd control to prevent further tragedies. He stressed that individuals, religious groups, and corporations wishing to hold events must register with the Lagos State Safety Commission to avoid penalties.

Omotosho said, “To prevent such occurrences in Lagos State, all individuals or groups that intend to hold an event or distribute any items to large gatherings of people are advised to seek clearance from the Safety Commission.”

He added that Lagos State had strong partnerships with security agencies to ensure proper crowd management.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, encouraged Lagos residents to monitor their environment and call emergency numbers 767 and 112 in case of an emergency.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has also condemned the stampedes, attributing the tragedies to “poverty-induced neoliberal economic policies” and “criminal negligence.”

Falana, who chairs the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), described the incidents as a “national shame,” stating that the victims were driven to desperation by systemic poverty and the gross incompetence of those entrusted with their safety.

He announced plans to mobilise lawyers to pursue civil suits against event organisers to ensure the survivors and families of the deceased are adequately compensated.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has similarly condemned the stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, which resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, including children.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the incident as “tragic and disturbing,” expressing sympathy for the families affected. Okoh also called for better crowd control measures during charitable events and emphasised the importance of compassion and solidarity in the wake of such tragedies.

He stated, “Let us support one another and work towards creating a place where everyone feels safe and valued… Together, we can honour the memory of those we have lost by committing to a future filled with hope.”

Oyetola tasks Nigerians on entrepreneurial skills for nation building

By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on well-meaning Nigerians to invest in humanity by promoting skill acquisition initiatives, entrepreneurship, and human development programmes.

Oyetola emphasised that human capital development is essential for nation-building, urging Nigerians to rally behind the national goal of achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at the launch of the Titi Tomori-Ponle Foundation, held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium at Osun State University in Osogbo, Oyetola stressed that empowerment programmes are crucial to driving the nation’s socioeconomic progress.

He stated, “Investing in women and youths will significantly complement the government’s efforts in building a strong and healthy economy for the betterment of all.”

“I am glad to be here today to witness this laudable initiative aimed at empowering women and youths to harness their potential and succeed in various fields,” Oyetola continued. “Today’s event is highly significant, as the Foundation, through its initiatives, will contribute to inspiring the dreams of millions of Nigerian youths, who make up over half of the country’s population, as well as empowering women, a strong pillar for societal development.”

Oyetola reiterated the importance of empowering women and youth for national growth and prosperity, which he described as a core pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “Empowering our youth population will help them unlock their potential and create a brighter future for the country. Similarly, empowering our women will help reduce poverty and vulnerability in society.”

He added, “I am pleased to know that even before today’s official event, the Foundation, a brainchild of Her Excellency Otunba Grace Titilayo Tomori-Ponle, has already started ‘walking the talk’ in its vision to provide education, skills development, and support to beneficiaries for personal and professional development.”

Earlier, the founder, Her Excellency Mrs. Titilayo Tomori-Ponle, revealed that the Foundation was established to free women and youth from unnecessary poverty throughout the state and beyond, as part of efforts to contribute to national integration, growth, and development.

“This initiative is set up to liberate our women and youths from the shackles of abject poverty. They will be properly engaged for productivity and prosperity,” she said. “Through this Foundation, we are committed to training graduates and undergraduates, ensuring they secure a better future. By acquiring the required skills, they will not only be productive but also add value to the economy of our nation, helping to take others off the streets.”

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; the Federal Commissioner representing Osun State at the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Amidu Raheem Tadese; former Osun Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi; General Alani Akinrinade (rtd.); Professor Olu Aina; Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Chief Tunde Badmus; Issah Niniola, and others.