President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic incident at the Children’s FunFair in Ibadan, which resulted in the loss of numerous young lives and left many injured. The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the grieving families who have lost their beloved children.
In a statement released on December 19, 2024, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. He stressed the need to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to the incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.
The President’s directive comes in the wake of a devastating stampede at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, during a funfair event organized by the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, led by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife. The event, which was intended to provide Christmas gifts to children, turned tragic when an overwhelming crowd of over 7,500 participants led to a stampede, resulting in the deaths of 35 children and injuries to several others.
President Tinubu’s statement highlighted the need for the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring. He called for a comprehensive review of safety measures at public events, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues. “Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives,” President Tinubu asserted.
The President also urged event organizers nationwide to prioritize the safety of all attendees, especially children, by integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics measures into their planning. This call to action underscores the importance of safeguarding the lives of young Nigerians and ensuring that such preventable tragedies do not happen again.
