The tragic death of a boy on Christmas day at the popular Aridolf Hotel in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, has again highlighted the serious issue of health and safety in public facilities in the country. The incident that occurred inside the swimming pool of the hotel while the deceased and others were having fun also highlights the alarming level of negligence by operators of such public places.
Viral videos and pictures showed how the swimming pool was crowded. There were over 100 persons inside. How can the management of the hotel allow that number of people at the same time? There could have been a stampede. More people could have been drowned because of the crowd. The management should have prevented most of the fun seekers from getting into the pool after admitting a reasonable number. But this is Nigeria where making money is more important than the protection of lives.
It is worrisome that for a hotel like that, said to be owned by a former first lady of Nigeria, there were no adequate safety measures in place at the swimming pool. For someone to have drowned meant that there were no lifeguards present or those trained to respond to emergencies. There were even no emergency response plans in place. Everybody was on their own.
Let us even look at the health implications. That again should have been a reason to be cautious. An outbreak of any epidemic in that situation could spread across the state like wild fire. Skin diseases from such unhealthy gatherings cannot also be ruled out. But all of that wasn't thought of.
While we blame the hotel management, we must also register our displeasure with the parents and guardians of those fun seekers for allowing their children and wards to be part of that sorrowful circle of shame. It was reported that some form of sexual activities also took place right there in the pool. How can underage children be allowed in broad daylight to stray into such negative indulgence?
The tragic incident is a sobering reminder of the need for improved health and safety measures in public facilities in Nigeria.The fact that the boy's death occurred on Christmas Day, a time meant for celebration and joy, makes it even more heartbreaking. We hope that the Police whose responsibility it is to unravel the circumstances that led to the boy's death would leave no stone unturned. All those involved in such an act of gross negligence must be made to face the wrath of the law.
We call on operators of public facilities, including hotels, restaurants, and recreational centers, to always be vigilant and place huge premium on the safety of lives. They should employ the services of trained safety experts to be on the ground, particularly at moments of large gatherings like festive seasons.
The government, hospitality industry, and public facility operators must also take responsibility for ensuring that health and safety standards are upheld. This includes regular inspections, staff training, and investment in safety infrastructure to prevent such tragedies from occurring anywhere in the future.
We also appeal to the Bayelsa State Government to create more tourist sites to decongest existing ones. As a state, Bayelsa is abundantly blessed with lovely beaches and aquatic spots. All that needs to be done is to harness the potential of these sites and make them tourist havens. If this is done, it will not only attract revenue for the government but also provide the needed alternatives for tourists and those seeking sea side fun.
Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased boy. May his death not be in vain, but rather serve as a catalyst for change.
