The Lagos State Government has appealed to residents of the State particularly the leisure and entertainment business operators to be compliant with environmental laws guiding their operations during the forthcoming Valentine’s Day celebration, urging them to “spread love and not noise”
This appeal was contained in a statement jointly released by the duo of the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe and Director General Safety Commission counterpart, Mr. Lanre Mojola.
The statement enjoined the public particularly the owners of event centers, leisure, hospitality and entertainment facilities who plan to organise or host events to consider the environment and safety of the people by obtaining necessary permits which allows them to operate in a friendly and safe environment.
Recalling that the Valentine’s day is celebrated all over the world as a day specifically set aside for expressing love, the Statement warned against activities that could be harmful or sow seed of hate rather than love.
The statement read in part that, “The message of St. Valentine is to spread love, friendship with motive to promote harmony, unity and peaceful relationship through love, perseverance, tolerance and selfless actions. If our deed contradicts the reason for the celebration and impose unnecessary hardship on our supposed friends and allies, then we have failed to observe the tenets of St Valentine.”
It was noted that though it might be difficult to separate noise from celebrations, it is expedient operations be within approved decibels thereby reducing the negative effects of noise pollution on everyone.
Dr. Fasawe of LASEPA noted that “As a matter of fact, noise and mega cities are interrelated, for our social life and economic development, Leisure business owners are advised not to cut corners but to obtain permit and operate within the prescribed noise standard, failure to abide attract serious consequences”
“It has been observed that the annual celebrations of Valentine’s day had in recent time been characterized by jamborees, concerts and parties, which if not regulated could cause serious havoc on the environment and innocent citizens of the State. Permits are no licence to make noise and there is always a provision for revocation, where the noise exceeds the permissible standards”, she added.
On his part, the DG Safety commission expressed displeasure with the nonchalant attitudes of entertainment business operators to the safety concern of their clients especially during celebrations and fiestas.
He explained that, “Since safety doesn’t go on holiday and accidents occur unannounced, hence the need to ensure the safety of our clients and customers while within our premises and this can only be achieved if we put adequate safety measures in place and ensure total compliance with all safety regulations.
According to him, “Most event centers have less capacity for the multitude of guests invited with little or no arrangement for safety measures, electrical infractions especially with no provision for escape routes for emergency incident.
“Obtaining safety permits reduce risk of unforseen accidents or fatalities; our officials are well trained to plan alongside with you to ensure a hitch free event,” Mojola added.