Photo caption : Governor Seyi Makinde
The Finance And Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) has extended its heartfelt condolences to the affected families, the Oyo State Government, and the entire nation of the tragic explosion that rocked Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state.
A statement signed by FiBOP, said that the devastating incident has not only left a profound impact on the local community but has also ignited broader concerns about the state of security in Nigeria and the safety of its citizens.
Recall that on Tuesday night an explosion rocked the ancient city, which claimed 5 lives and caused significant damage.
This prompted FiBOP to reflect on the pressing need for a comprehensive evaluation of the nation’s security infrastructure, adding that the incident has underscored the vulnerability of citizens and businesses alike, demanding urgent attention from relevant authorities.
The statement further said that “while our hearts go out to the families grappling with loss and devastation, FiBOP cannot ignore the larger questions looming over the incident. “The slow initial response and the subsequent statements from Governor Seyi Makinde attributing the explosion to illegal mining activities raise legitimate concerns about the efficiency of disaster management and the regulation of potentially hazardous industries,”
The statement said that FiBOP as advocates for a thriving business environment emphasises the importance of a secure and stable backdrop for economic activities.
It added that the tragic event in Ibadan raises questions not only about the safety of citizens but also about the potential economic repercussions of such incidents. “Investors and businesses require assurances of a secure operating environment and incidents like these inevitably cast doubt on the effectiveness of the existing security measures.” FiBOP said.
The aftermath of the explosion, the Publishers said, has also brought to light the inadequacies in the disaster and emergency management systems across various states in Nigeria.
It called for an urgent review of these systems to ensure a prompt and efficient response to future crises in an era where resilience and adaptability are key to economic success, a robust disaster management framework is paramount.
The FiBOP family urged the Oyo State Government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, stressing that the citizens deserve not only swift justice for the victims but also a clear understanding of the factors that led to the explosion.
The investigation, it said, should include scrutinising the operations of mining activities, identifying those responsible, and ensuring that preventive measures are implemented to avert similar tragedies in the future.
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