THE management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, Oyo State, has denied being the organisers of the ill-fated funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan that led to the death of many children.
Eighteen-Eleven Media yesterday reported that about thirty (30) children died on Wednesday morning after a stampede during a children’s Christmas party hosted by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, an ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife.
It was claimed that the ex-wife of the Ooni collaborated with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, led by Oriyomi Hamzat to organise the event.
“Queen Naomi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, had planned to surprise 5,000 children with gifts and scholarships at an Islamic school. The event was publicly announced by Agidigbo FM radio for days. However, tragedy struck, resulting in the deaths of at least seven children.
“She wanted to surprise 5000 children with gifts and scholarships at Islamic school and Agidigbo FM radio is involved as well.”
However, expressing grief over the tragic incident, Agidigbo FM clarified that the station did not organise the event but only served as a media partner for its promotion.
This clarification was issued via a press release signed by the station’s Director of Programmes, Olayinka AbdulWahab, on Wednesday.
The statement read:
This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children’s fun fair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organised by the WINGS foundation with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.
Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds says that Agidigbo FM is the organiser of the children’s funfair, however, the management wishes to state that Agidigbo FM is not the organiser of the event but one of the media outfits used to promote the event,
Upon receiving the notice that a mammoth crowd had assembled before 5 am this morning at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, used all media strategies to sensitize the populace with jingles and public service announcements from that time that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.
The organisers of the event also did all they could to ensure that the tragedy was curtailed by deploying security apparatus, medical officials, and other relévant agencies to come to the aid of those affected by this tragic event.
This a very sad day for us all, however, we call on the general public to shun the spread of fake news and contact Agidigbo FM for more information.
This is not the time to spread misinformation, the Management of Agidigbo FM, implore the general public to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those in various hospitals and sympathise with the family of those who lost their lives
Thank you for your constant support. We pray to never experience arty tragic experience.
Olayinka AbduWahab
Director of Programmes
081692499t4
December, 18, 2024
For the Management of Agidigho FM.
Eighteen-Eleven Media