Lagos govt revokes licence of event centre over breach of COVID-19 protocol

The Lagos government has revoked the licence of Queens Park Event Centre, Oniru, for contravening COVID-19 protocols in the state.

The development comes days after Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of the state advised residents to adhere to health protocols issued by the state and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to help limit the spread of the virus amid the second wave of the pandemic.

“We cannot afford another total lockdown so I enjoin us to keep observing the prescribed protocols and the required lifestyle adjustments that will help us enter 2021 stronger, healthier and safer. Let’s do this for our families and friends. Let’s by our actions demonstrate that we truly love our neighbours”, the governor said.

In a statement on Sunday, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, commissioner of tourism, said the action was taken in the best interest of the state.

She added that other event centres risk losing their chances of doing business in the state if they breach the COVID-19 guidelines.

“The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture has revoked the license of Queens Park Event Centre Oniru as the Lagos State Safety Commission also sealed the facility for contravening the COVID-19 protocols of the State”, the statement read.

“The Commissioner for Tourism Pharm Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf says the step to withdraw the license was taken in the best interest of the State and implored other event centres and venue owners to comply with the Governments laid down directives Otherwise risk loosing their chances of doing business in Lagos. She reiterated that the fight against the virus can only be successful if we all follow the laid down public health and safety protocols.

“The Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission Mr. Lanre Mojola said it became necessary to take such steps following an event that was held at the venue on the 26th of December that contravened all safety protocols laid down by the State.

“He also sounded a stern warning to all other event centers and venue owners that flout safety protocols in the State, that it is not business as usual. As such, they should either fall in line with the States protocols or risk losing their license to operate in the State.

“He further stated that the Commission has begun a legal process against some recalcitrant business owners who removed the government seal and continued operations. He further stated that mass gatherings at restaurants, bars, cafes and public places without observing necessary safety guidelines will increase the spread of the virus and therefore urged the public to maintain and observe all the necessary safety precautions.”