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2019: ONE MILLION YOUTHS MARCH FOR AMBODE’S RE-ELECTION

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Youths in their hundreds on Saturday embarked on a symbolic march from Maryland to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota to endorse Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for another term in office.

The youths, drawn from various groups including Lagos Youth Initiative (LYI), Lagos State Students Union, Liberal Minds Grassroots Forum, Lagos of Our Dream (Project LOUD), Asiwaju Redrive Youth Initiative, A Plus Vanguard, National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWEDEN), among others, said the decision to support the Governor was as a result of his various infrastructural strides and massive empowerment initiatives such as the N25billion Employment Trust Fund.

Speaking at the event, Lagos State Chairman of LYI, Comrade Temitope Ogungbo said the walk was organised to appreciate and mobilize support for Governor Ambode judging by the fact that the promises made to the people of the State have been fulfilled.

He said: “We are here today to show appreciation to the man that has done well. Three years back, he made a promise here at Ojota Freedom Park and those promises have been fulfilled and the Governor has even done more than what he promised.

“The promises are employment, empowerment, among others. When you talk about youths in Lagos State, Governor Ambode has employed many youths into the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority; he established Neighbourhood Safety Corps which has employed over 5,000 youths; he has also employed over 20,000 youths through the Cleaner Lagos Initiative; thousands of youths and businesses have also been empowered through the N25billion Employment Trust Fund of the Governor Ambode administration, among others.

“We see all these initiatives as very good and something that requires the youths to pay back by asking the Governor to continue in office, and that is why we invited all our groups from the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the State to embark on symbolic walk to endorse Governor Ambode for second term.”

He particularly urged those yet to get Permanent Voters Cards to utilize the opportunity of the ongoing registration exercise to register and get their cards to vote for continuity of the good works of the Governor in the state.

Also, Lagos State Chairman of Liberal Minds, Mr Sanni Ganiyu said the State was blessed to have a caring, good and dynamic leader like Governor Ambode who, according to him, has positively touched all sectors and sections of the state.

“Governor Ambode has performed credibly well; he has served us successfully; he has virtually touched all sectors of the economy, be it in the area of sports, roads, roads, health, agriculture, security, employment, education and so on.

“As a matter of fact, the common man, disabled or physically challenged are not left out as they have all benefitted tremendously from this administration, and that is why we are all out to support Governor Ambode for another term in office,” Ganiyu said.

Member, Board of National Agricultural Extension Research, Hon Ganiat Alli-Balogun, said since assuming office, Governor Ambode had done wonders and a lot for people of the State.

She said: “Today, you can see the youths of Lagos State here to support Governor Ambode for second to continue his good works. Everyone is happy because of the brilliant projects that have been executed in the State.

“Talk of the beautification, the infrastructural amenities, the schools and so on and so we thank God for all the good work of our Governor.”

On their parts, leaders of NASWEDEN in Lagos State – Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, Comrade Friday Okoh and Mrs Olufunke Akinwale said the association was fully in support of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative of the State Government, and that their members were all saying no vacancy in Alausa come 2019.

Highpoint of the event was the performances by ace musicians, Humble Smith and Queen Seyidat, among others

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CAN Calls for Compassion and Crowd Management Reform After Stampede Tragedy In Anambra, Oyo State 

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CAN Calls for Compassion and Crowd Management Reform After Stampede Tragedy In Anambra, Oyo State 

CAN,ib

 

In the wake of the tragic stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama on Saturday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep sorrow and called for improved measures to manage large crowds during charitable events.

In a statement titled “A Heartfelt Response to the Tragedy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church” issued on Sunday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the incident as “not just statistics” but a devastating loss affecting real families. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and called for collective support and understanding.

“The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is disturbed by the tragic events at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama on Saturday morning. We have learned that at least ten people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede while trying to seek help from the church,” Okoh stated.

“This tragedy is not just statistics; it represents real families who are hurting. Each person lost was someone’s beloved family member. We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and to the families affected by this terrible incident. We stand together with you in this time of sadness and prayer,” he added.

The incident, which occurred during a charitable event, is part of a concerning trend. Archbishop Okoh highlighted two other tragic stampedes that took place earlier this month in Nigeria.

On December 18, a Christmas funfair in Ibadan turned deadly when a stampede claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others critically injured. The event, intended to distribute cash and food to over 5,000 children, has since come under investigation for potential lapses in crowd management.

In another instance, a rice distribution event in Anambra State resulted in the deaths of 22 people and injuries to 32 others. Both incidents underscore the challenges associated with organizing large-scale charitable efforts in the country.

“These heartbreaking incidents highlight the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable events. In the face of these tragedies, we recognize the importance of coming together to support those who are grieving,” Okoh said.

He urged Nigerians to show compassion and solidarity in these trying times. “It is crucial that we listen to one another, share our feelings, and offer help in any way we can. This is a time for compassion and understanding as we help one another heal,” the CAN president emphasized.

The CAN leadership also called for a review of protocols and strategies to ensure the safety of participants at charitable events, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

 

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A Safer Tomorrow: Lessons from a Tragic Event

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A Safer Tomorrow: Lessons from a Tragic Event

A Safer Tomorrow: Lessons from a Tragic Event

The sun was just beginning to rise over the bustling city of Ajayi as hundreds of people gathered outside the Civic Center. The event, a food distribution drive organized by a well-meaning NGO, promised relief to those struggling amidst the recent economic downturn. What began as a hopeful morning turned into a day etched in sorrow.

By noon, the crowd had swelled to thousands, including women cradling children, elderly men leaning on walking sticks, and teenagers who had come to secure meals for their families. The organizers, overwhelmed by the turnout, tried to maintain order, but the narrow entrance to the distribution hall became a bottleneck. As impatience grew, the atmosphere shifted from hopeful to tense.

When the gates finally opened, chaos erupted. People surged forward, pushing and shoving in a desperate bid to be among the first to receive the aid. A child’s cry pierced the air as bodies pressed against each other. Within moments, the situation spiraled out of control. In the ensuing stampede, dozens were injured, and eight lives were lost, including three children.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the community and drew nationwide attention. Critics lambasted the event organizers for failing to anticipate the crowd size and implement adequate safety measures. The government, too, faced scrutiny for its lack of proactive policies to prevent such incidents.

In the days following the tragedy, the city of Ajayi became a focal point for discussions on public safety and crowd management. At a press conference, Mayor Adedayo Adekunle expressed profound regret for the loss of lives and pledged swift action. “This is a wake-up call for all of us. We cannot allow such a preventable tragedy to happen again. The safety of our citizens must always come first,” he stated.

In response, the city council introduced a new set of regulations for public events. Under the policy, any gathering expected to host more than 200 attendees required pre-approval from the newly formed Event Safety Commission (ESC). Organizers would need to submit detailed plans, including crowd control strategies, medical response teams, and security personnel deployment.

The ESC also mandated that venues have multiple entry and exit points to prevent bottlenecks, provide ample drinking water, and deploy trained volunteers to assist with managing queues. Additionally, the city’s emergency response hotline was upgraded, and public awareness campaigns were launched to educate citizens on safety protocols during large gatherings.

The tragedy also inspired grassroots efforts. Community leaders organized workshops on crowd safety and first aid. Churches, mosques, and other organizations reevaluated their event planning processes, emphasizing safety above all.

One of the most poignant moments came during a memorial service for the victims. Family members and community members gathered to honor the lives lost and advocate for change. Among the speakers was Mrs. Ifeoma Nnaji, who lost her six-year-old daughter, Ada, in the stampede. Holding back tears, she addressed the crowd: “Ada’s life was precious, and her death must not be in vain. Let this be the last time we mourn such a loss. Let us learn, let us act, and let us protect each other.”

Months later, Ajayi’s efforts began to show results. A subsequent food distribution event, held at a larger venue with stringent safety measures in place, went smoothly. Attendees praised the organizers and city officials for their diligence, noting how the lessons from the past had been implemented effectively.

The tragedy in Ajayi became a turning point for the entire nation. State governments adopted similar policies, and collaborations between public and private sectors strengthened safety frameworks. While the scars of that fateful day remained, the collective response demonstrated resilience and a commitment to preventing such incidents in the future.

As the city moved forward, it carried with it the memory of those who had lost their lives. Their legacy became a catalyst for change, ensuring that public events in Ajayi—and beyond—would be safer for everyone.

Epilogue

In a quiet corner of the city’s central park, a memorial was erected in honor of the victims. Inscribed on it were the words: “In their memory, we build a safer tomorrow.” It served as a somber reminder of the past and a beacon of hope for the future.

 

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Christmas Party Tragedy: Seasoned Movie Producer, Bukky Amos-Bello, Expresses Support for Queen Naomi, Sympathizes with Victims

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Christmas Party Tragedy: Seasoned Movie Producer, Bukky Amos-Bello, Expresses Support for Queen Naomi, Sympathizes with Victims

Christmas Party Tragedy:
Seasoned Movie Producer, Bukky Amos-Bello, Expresses Support for Queen Naomi, Sympathizes with Victims

 

A top Nollywood actress and movie producer, Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello, has joined numerous well-wishers who have expressed their support for former queen of Ife Kingdom, Naomi Silekunola, who is currently facing challenges following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organised in Ibadan, resulting in loss of children’s lives.

 

The beautiful thespian popularly called Ajitannawo, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, sent a message of encouragement, urging Queen Naomi to stay strong.

 

 

In her heartfelt message, Arewa Amos-Bello expressed sorrow over the incident and offered prayers for Queen Naomi’s courage and resilience in the face of the tragedy.

 

“Be strong and courageous; the Lord is with you. And He will never forsake you my Queen Silekunola. My heart goes out to you in this sorrowful time of yours. My prayer is with you always. God bless you in this difficult time,” Arewa Bukky wrote, while she offered her sincere condolences to families and parents of the victims.

 

Arewa Amos-Bello stated that she feels every bit of what Queen Naomi feels at the moment because she is also a philanthropist who understands that the former Ife Queen did what she did with good intentions.

 

She added;

“I know she meant well because I’m also into charity. The Ibadan event was not her first nor was it the second. We can only pray that God help her and console the victims.”

 

“I want to assure her of my valid support; she is not alone. Her struggles are valid and real, and in acknowledging this, she finds our solidarity. When things like this happen, we may feel ashamed and find it hard to cope, yet even in such a dark time as this, we share our burdens, support one another, and find strength in our unity. She must not give up on her goal and she is encouraged to stand tall against the odds. She is never alone in this journey, she will overcome.”

Christmas Party Tragedy:
Seasoned Movie Producer, Bukky Amos-Bello, Expresses Support for Queen Naomi, Sympathizes with Victims

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