In a solemn move, President Bola Tinubu canceled all his official events in Lagos today, including his anticipated attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, following tragic stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State. The two incidents, which have claimed numerous lives and left many others injured, prompted the President to extend his deepest condolences to the victims and their families.
Originally scheduled to watch the boat parade and other festivities of the Boat Regatta from his Ikoyi residence, President Tinubu withdrew from the event after receiving briefings on the devastating tragedies. Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and traditional white cap chiefs, were already seated at the venue when the cancellation was announced.
In his official statement, the President expressed heartfelt sympathies for those affected by the deadly stampedes at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community center in Okija, Anambra. He noted the disturbing similarities between these incidents and a similar tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier this week.
“The series of tragic events over the past few days, from Abuja to Anambra, and now Ibadan, highlight a pressing need for stronger crowd control measures,” President Tinubu said. He urged state and local authorities to immediately enforce stringent crowd management protocols to prevent such accidents in the future.
The President emphasized that these tragedies were avoidable, calling on event organizers to adhere to proper safety measures and protocols for pre- and post-event activities. “We cannot afford operational lapses, especially when it comes to public safety during charitable and humanitarian events,” he added.
While offering prayers for the peaceful repose of the victims’ souls, President Tinubu also wished a swift recovery to those injured. He said, “In this season of joy and celebration, we mourn with our fellow citizens who have lost their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them.”
Despite the cancellation, the President extended his well wishes for a successful and safe 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” to the Lagos State government and event organizers.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
December 21, 2024
