The Lagos State Government has declared its commitment to close down any recreational facility found in violation of the safety regulations set by the state safety commission. In response to an incident involving Masidat Kassim at the recently opened Giwa Gardens Waterpark in Lagos, the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility and violators will face consequences.
Omotoso conveyed the government’s stance, stating, “Once an offence is committed in your facility, it becomes a criminal matter, and the police will take over. There are rules and regulations the safety commission has spelt out for them, and if they don’t observe them, they will be shut down.”
The incident involving Masidat Kassim occurred during a visit to the Giwa Gardens Waterpark with her family, where she sustained injuries due to alleged safety lapses. Kassim shared her experience on Instagram, cautioning the public about potential dangers at the water park. She highlighted concerns about the shallow pools for long slides and criticized the absence of rubber lining in the pools.
Expressing disappointment with the water park’s safety measures, Kassim called on the Lagos State Government to conduct a thorough quality control check at Giwa Gardens. The water park, located in Sangotedo, Lekki Epe Expressway, officially opened on December 16, featuring various water attractions and rides.
In response to Kassim’s post, the owner of Giwa Gardens, Keji Giwa, issued an apology and assured her of a free premium ticket with food and drinks for her next visit. The Lagos State Safety Commission is currently investigating the incident, with the government demanding safety improvements from the water park before reopening.
Omotoso confirmed that the water park has been temporarily shut down, stating, “We have shut the place, and we are not going to shut it down forever. We are giving them some safety conditions to meet, and as soon as they meet the conditions, we will open the place.” The safety commission has instructed the water park management to personally apologize to Masidat Kassim, demonstrating the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of residents and visitors.