President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official engagements in Lagos planned for Saturday, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta.
The decision was made to honour the victims of recent stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State, which claimed many lives and left several injured.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President had been scheduled to watch the Lagos Boat Regatta parade from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi.
Dignitaries, including top Lagos State officials and white cap chiefs from the Lagos Palace, were already present when the President decided to withdraw, following briefings on the tragedies.
President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the incidents, which took place at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community centre in Okija.
“It is deeply troubling that such avoidable mishaps continue to happen,” the President said.
He emphasized that lapses in crowd management by event organizers must no longer be tolerated, especially during charitable or humanitarian activities.
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“In this season of joy and celebration, we stand with fellow citizens mourning their loved ones. Our prayers for divine comfort and healing are with them,” President Tinubu stated.
He also wished the Lagos State government and the organizers of the Boat Regatta, themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” a successful and safe festival despite his absence.
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