Oyo Gov’t Warns Against Unregulated Valentine’s Day Celebrations
The Oyo State Government has issued a warning to corporate bodies, event planners, and individuals planning elaborate celebrations for St. Valentine’s Day, urging them to comply with state regulations to ensure safety and order during the festivities.
This directive comes in the wake of the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in December 2024, which led to the death of 35 students at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, in Ibadan. The incident has prompted the government to take a proactive stance in regulating public events.
Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information in the state, expressed concerns as several broadcast stations have begun airing advertisements promoting Valentine’s Day events across various venues. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with security agencies, such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, and Operation Burst, to ensure security measures are in place for smooth and safe gatherings.
Furthermore, Oyelade stressed that there must be a clear agreement among event planners, security personnel, and medical teams regarding venue selection and preparedness. The state’s Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board should also be involved, along with private hospitals where necessary, to provide adequate medical support at events.
He warned that failure to follow these guidelines will result in strict legal consequences. The Commissioner reminded the public that the state is still in mourning over the tragic loss of the 35 children during the December 2024 gathering, and urged all stakeholders to prioritize safety above all else in upcoming celebrations.
