President Bola Tinubu has canceled all his official events in Lagos on Saturday, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, in honor of the victims of recent stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.
Tinubu had been scheduled to observe the boat parade and other activities of the Regatta from the waterfront at his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi.
The cancellation was announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement titled “President Tinubu Cancels Scheduled Events in Lagos in Honor of Victims of Stampede in FCT, Anambra.”
The tragic incidents in Abuja and Okija claimed numerous lives and left many others injured.
“In this season of joy and celebration, we grieve with those mourning the loss of their loved ones,” President Tinubu said. “Our prayers for divine comfort and healing are with them.”
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Onanuga noted that several dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white-cap chiefs, had already arrived when the President made the decision to cancel his appearance after receiving briefings on the tragedies.
In his message of condolence, Tinubu expressed his sympathy for the victims in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, urging states and relevant authorities to implement stringent crowd control measures immediately.
He expressed concern over the disturbing similarities between the recent stampedes in Abuja and Okija and a similar incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, which also involved crowd mismanagement.
He emphasized that local and state authorities should not tolerate lapses by organizations involved in charitable and public events.
While praying for the peaceful repose of the victims, President Tinubu also wished a swift recovery to those injured. He stressed that such tragedies could be prevented if event organizers adhere to proper safety protocols.
The President also extended his best wishes to the Lagos State government and the organizers of the Boat Regatta, themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” hoping for a successful and safe festival.
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