By Ayomide Otitoju
Governors from Southern Nigeria paid a condolence visit to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State following the tragic loss of 35 lives during a children’s funfair in Ibadan.
Led by the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the delegation expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a commendable initiative that took an unfortunate turn.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Governor Abiodun urged non-governmental organizations planning similar charity events to collaborate with government agencies for proper coordination and safety measures.
“We are here to commiserate with Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State over this tragic incident. This is a moment of shared pain, and our thoughts are with the bereaved families,” Abiodun stated.
Abiodun offered prayers for the repose of the victims’ souls and strength for their families, assuring Oyo State of the solidarity of its Southern counterparts.
“The entire Southern governors are deeply pained by this occurrence. In Ogun State, we see Oyo as a brother, and we share in your grief. We pray such an event never happens again,” he added.
Governor Makinde expressed gratitude for the visit, highlighting its significance during a difficult time.
“Your Excellency, thank you for standing with us. Your visit is not just a show of solidarity but an opportunity to strengthen our bond and share ideas for the betterment of our states,” Makinde said.
The governors also discussed collaborative efforts, with Makinde revealing plans for a peer-review initiative in the New Year. “We talked about agricultural development, particularly tractorisation, and agreed to exchange insights to leverage each other’s successes,” he added.
The tragic stampede, which occurred on December 18, 2024, remains a somber reminder of the need for heightened safety measures in public events, with Southern governors pledging to uphold shared values of security and welfare for their citizens.
