By Godwin Okeagu
December 2024
The Nation ended last week on a moody note, following the death of scores of Nigerians in multiple stampedes recorded across the nation while scrambling for free food from charitable organizations and individuals. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for all Nigerians to take a review on the manner we conduct ourselves during public functions or gatherings.
Suffice it to say that decorum and Orderliness have not only been illusive but a myth in Nigeria. It’s cut across all Strata and layers of our nation hood, hence we are all guilty. From bus stops to banking halls, down to our eateries, worship grounds, etc. Nigerians are too impulsive in exhibiting disorderly attributes.
We’ve witnessed NGOs share foods in IDP camps weekly, yet we don’t hear about stampede. Same with countries plagued by war and famine, stampedes don’t occur. There are videos of food distribution programs in war-torn countries like Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Syria, and such others as Eriteria, where there are famine. In Baltimore, for example, thousands of people queue for food every two weeks. The queue is straight and quiet. You won’t even know that they are waiting in line for food. People queue to pick up food stamps in France. Why must our own case be different? Why is everyone in a haste? Why is it difficult for us to obey very simple rules and instructions that will add sanity, calm, and tranquillity to all we do? Why are our things always different and obscure?
The reality is that as Nigerians, we have orientation issues. We are plagued not just by hunger but by impatience, greed, and avarice, with the penchant always distorted or pervert laid down rules and instructions. It’s only in Nigeria that everyone wants to beat the traffic, beat security, cut corners, jump the queue, pervert justice, indulge in Exam Malpractice, rig election, bribe law enforcement agencies, parade adulterate products with impunity, market fake goods, and make purchases with fake currency notes. This is an instinct that has brought about years of cultural decline and system failure – always looking uncomfortable to do the right thing.
Incidentally, this sad scenario has been witnessed everywhere and by everyone. Have we forgotten so soon what happened at the 2021 NBA conference, where supposed learned gentlemen went on rampage during the distribution of mere conference bags? It was an unnecessary show of shame. What happens at the filling stations whenever there’s little scarcity? What about inside aeroplanes when passengers are meant to exit in an orderly manner? We witness a similar harrowing experience as we attempt to either gain entrance or exit the stadium gates before and after most international football matches? Haba! The list is endless, and the experiences are so horrible.
To curb the menace of stampedes in Nigeria, we must adopt the following measures:
1. *Crowd Control Measures*: Event organizers and authorities must ensure adequate crowd control measures are in place, including barriers, security personnel, and emergency response plans.
2. *Public Awareness*: There is a need for public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on the importance of orderly behaviour in public gatherings.
3. *Attitudinal Change*: We must cultivate a culture of patience, discipline, and respect for orderliness.
4. *Infrastructure Development*: The government must invest in infrastructure development, including roads, public transportation, and amenities, to reduce congestion and promote orderly behaviour.
5. *Emergency Response Planning*: Event organizers and authorities must have emergency response plans in place to quickly respond to stampedes and other emergencies.
The writer opined that Nigeria’s biggest need at the moment isn’t food as it seems to be. Rather, it is the urgent need for us all to subject ourselves to attitudinal and behavioural change. Until that is done, our Dear Nation will continue to witness a gradual and continual retardation in progress.
Let me use this medium to register my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in these unfortunate and avoidable disasters and equally pray for the quick recovery of the injured.
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