Agidigbo FM, one of the media partners for the Ibadan Children’s Carnival has distanced itself from allegations that the media firm was the organizer of the Children’s Funfair marred by a stampede.
Fun Fair Stampede
The Ibadan Children’s Funfair, which was scheduled for December 18, 2024, at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, was organized by WINGS Foundation, a non-governmental organization founded by Queen Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife.
The event was aimed at providing gift items for 5000 children in anticipation of the festive season. The event was widely publicized in different media outlets especially the broadcast media through media outlets like Agidigbo FM.
Things however went out of hand on the said date as an estimated 7000 people showed up at the venue of the carnival, way more than the planned N5000 which led to chaos at the venue.
In the ensuing fracas, a stampede occurred which led to the death of over 30 children with numerous injuries suffered by others.
Agidigbo Fm Blamed
In the aftermath, many blamed Agidigbo FM for the stampede, some even claimed the media outfit was the organizer of the event. The radio station has therefore been forced to come out to defend itself.
A statement signed by the station’s Director of Programmes, Olayinka Abdulwahab read:
“Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds that Agidigbo FM, is the organizer of the children’s funfair, however, the management wishes to state that Agidigbo FM is not the organizer of the event, but one of the media outfits used to promote the event.
“Upon receiving the notice that a mammoth crowd had assembled before 5 am this morning at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, used all media strategies to sensitize the populace with jingles and public service announcements from that time that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.”
“The organizers of the event also did all they could to ensure that the tragedy was curtailed by deploying security apparatus, medical officials, and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of those affected by this tragic event.
“This is not the time to spread misinformation, the Management of Agidigbo FM, implores the general public to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those in various hospitals and sympathize with the family of those who lost their lives.” The statement concluded.
Additional Measures
In response to the tragedy, the Oyo State Government stated it had arrested the organizers and launched an investigation into the incident. Governor Seyi Makinde assured the public that all individuals involved will be held accountable.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on his part has also called for a thorough investigation and the implementation of safety reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
