This was disclosed in a statement made available by the  Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, in a joint inspection with the Lagos State Task Force team, stated that the move would prevent fatalities to children who visit the event.

He said, “The closure was imperative to prevent further exposure of attendees at the venue to prevent accidents that could lead to injuries and fatalities.

The event venue owner, Mr Ezekiel Adamu, had refused to implement safety measures prescribed by the commission despite several meetings at the onset of the project following an initial safety inspection exercise carried out on the venue to deliberate on safety infractions observed within the facility.

“It has however become urgent and pertinent to shut down the facility until all infractions are corrected to prevent users from further exposure to risk especially children and to also ensure that other lined-up events are safe for Lagos residents.”

Mojola added that no individual or institution is bigger than the state and it will continually ensure the safety of Lagosians as they go about enjoying the festive season.

He further warned owners of facilities in Lagos that are not complying with the state’s safety guidelines on events and urged residents to socialise responsibly.

This was disclosed in a joint statement issued by the Director-General of the Lagos Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, and the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Mr Damilola Emmanuel

The statement also advised boat operators to adequately fuel their vessel tanks for their journeys, adding that fueling mid-sea was an unsafe practice.

It read partly, “In line with the waterways’ safety code developed by all waterway’s regulators and stakeholders, boat transport, activities are to take place between 5:30 am and 7.00 pm every day. It is an offense for boat operators and passengers to be seen on inland waterways outside of these hours.

“Therefore, all waterways’ users are advised to strictly observe this time restriction in order to avoid boat mishaps. On no condition should anyone get on board a vessel after or before the stipulated operational hours likewise no passenger or operator can board a vessel without wearing a life vest with a standard buoyancy factor.

“This is very important because, in event of an accident, the user will be able to stay afloat for a few minutes before emergency responders arrive. In addition to using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, boat operators are mandated to have onboard safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid boxes, pool float (life buoys), and so on.”