The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) has informed the federal government that protecting Nigerian children in packed crowds is a non-negotiable issue.
This is in light of deaths that have occurred during children’s funfairs and palliative distribution in Nigeria.
PAN’s President, Dr Ekanem Ekure, in a release jointly signed with Dr Chika Duru, the association’s Secretary, said the Ibadan tragedy reminds us of the risks that children face in crowded gatherings and the importance of taking proactive steps to protect them.
According to her, the details of the happenstances that led to the tragic incident, without prejudice to the likely findings of the ordered investigations, draw attention to the preventable nature of the Ibadan tragedy.
She said that the Child Rights Act prescribes that children must be protected against harm, and therefore, it is the joint responsibility of policymakers and event organisers to make the venue of funfairs safe for children and ready for emergencies.
Dr Ekure declared that clear communication systems are essential during emergencies, and event organisers should have loudspeakers, emergency messaging systems, and visible signage to direct children and caregivers to safety.
She added, “Attention must be paid to the capacity of the venue of the funfair and the crowd expected, and it is more important to plan crowd management ahead of all activities. Preparedness is key to ensuring the safety of children at public events.
“Planning events for children goes beyond music, food, drinks, and games. Event organisers should develop child-specific emergency response plans that include steps for evacuation, medical care, and reunification when children wander. The venues should have trained personnel on hand to address emergencies involving children.”
While commiserating with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Oyo State Government and the affected families, she said it is the responsibility of the government to implement and enforce clear regulations on crowd control, venue capacity, and child safety in public gatherings.
Dr Ekure assured of the association’s commitment to promoting child safety, providing expert advice, and working alongside other stakeholders to prevent future tragedies.
“The Paediatric Association of Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders, including event organizers, caregivers, and policymakers, to develop and implement preventive measures, provide training on child safety, and shape policies that prioritize the protection of children.
“PAN is hopeful that through collaborative efforts with the government, event organizers, parents and other stakeholders, we can ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
“By prioritizing child safety, the lives of children in all public gatherings can be protected and future stampedes can be prevented,” she concluded.
