Oyo State Government has reiterated mandatory safety guidelines to corporate bodies, event planners, and individuals organizing Valentine’s Day celebrations, emphasizing that the day should be observed safely and responsibly.

The Government also warned that failure to comply with the directives will result in severe consequences under the law.

In a statement by the commissioner for information, Prince Dotun Oyelade said the move is in response to the anticipated increase in social gatherings during the Valentine’s celebrations.

The commissioner emphasized the importance of involving security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun, and Operation Burst, in the planning process.

He stated that their involvement is crucial to ensuring comprehensive logistics and security measures are in place for safe gatherings.

The commissioner also noted the importance of maintaining health protocols, such as good hygiene, proper ventilation, and staying updated on health advisories.

He noted that event planners must also reach a consensus with both security and medical personnel regarding venue selection.

He said the State Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board, along with private hospitals when necessary, must be engaged to guarantee sufficient medical support during events.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said this while featuring on a Splash FM radio station programme.

He said that the reason Oyo State came third in contribution to VAT among the 36 States of the federation and the FCT is because the right stimulus is being deployed to trigger the economic potential of the State.

With no seaports to beef up its economy and a paltry ₦5 billion monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to Lagos’ ₦65 billion, many analysts were surprised that Oyo State can still rank third in contribution to VAT.

But Prince Oyelade explains: “Governor Seyi Makinde stimulates the economy by pumping ₦6.4 billion into the State economy on the 25th day of every month for almost five years, which culminates in over ₦77 billion every year to the State workforce.

“Of course, that figure has changed this January 2025, with the payment of ₦80,000 minimum wage, resulting in ₦12 billion per month and ₦143 billion annually.

“The consistency of these salaries and wages not only allows the over 130,000 Government workers (the largest government workforce in the South West) to plan their lives, it also allows farmers and produce buyers to bring their foodstuffs to the markets on good roads and with sufficient confidence that they will sell out their goods.

“The sheer consistency of salary payments on a given day has upgraded kátàkárà and opened up patronage for artisans of different persuasions.”

The commissioner for Information also said that the increase in Real sector and Hospitality businesses that has attracted an influx of investors into Oyo State is also stimulating the economy.

He recalled that between May 2019 and May 2024, hospitality centres in Oyo State increased from 1,424 to 5,342, which represents a 221% rise.

Prince Oyelade noted that Investors apart, the surge of families who are resettling in Oyo State as a result of better infrastructure, space, good roads and affordable standards of living are also impacting on the stimulation of the economy of the State.

In the VAT 2024 Release, the South-West contributed the largest amount of ₦3.11 trillion in VAT to the federation while the South South came second with ₦1.08 trillion.

Of the ₦3.11 trillion contributed by the South-West, Oyo State contributed ₦272.41 billion.

The Oyo State Government has issued a stern warning to corporate bodies, event planners, and anyone planning any celebrations in respect of St. Valentine’s Day to ensure they adhere to the State rules and regulations.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade in a statement said many broadcast stations have been airing adverts and promotions inviting people to celebrate Valentine’s Day at various venues.

The commissioner emphasized that all stakeholders planning such events must actively involve security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun, Operation Burst, and other security arms, to ensure they have proper logistics in place for seamless gatherings.

The Commissioner also insisted that there must be a consensus between the planners, security and medical personnel on the choices of the venues.

It added that the State Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board must be involved, along with private hospitals where necessary, to ensure adequate medical support.

The Commissioner warned that anyone who flouts this directive will face the full wrath of the law. He reminded the public that the State is still mourning the unnecessary death of 35 children at a gathering in Ibadan on the 18th of December, 2024.

Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade has charged owners of broadcast stations to wake up to contemporary media challenges and reaffirm their roles in educating, entertaining, and informing the public.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, Oyo State Chapter, held at the NTA Ibadan Network Centre, the veteran broadcast manager expressed concern over the poor performance of government-owned stations in recent years and the negative impact on their ratings.

Oyelade, who has been in the business of broadcast media and management for the past 47 years called for a renewed commitment to excellence, stressing that government broadcast stations should embrace the innovative practices that have allowed private stations to thrive and re-assess their strategies to keep their heads above water.

He said “Referring to data from the National Broadcasting Commission Zonal office, Oyo state has experienced a remarkable growth in the broadcast industry. As of February 2024, the state could boast of 51 radio stations, a significant increase from 20 stations in 2019.

“However, private stations have dominated the landscape, with government-owned stations facing decline in their ratings and struggling to attract advertisers.”

Prince Oyelade further urged the management of government-owned stations to think innovatively and seek collaboration, even with competitors, to navigate the tough business climate citing the example of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) which was established in 1922 by the British government but operating independently and publicly funded as a successful model.

Earlier in his address, the Chief host and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, who has equally had decades of successful management experience in the broadcast media, said broadcasting remains a credible profession.

He said the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters which was mooted in 1963 became formally registered in 1994.

In his key note address, the Vice-Chancellor, Lead City University, Prof. Aderemi Adeyemo said Broadcasting, a vital component of modern communication, plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and providing entertainment.

He said as media consumption evolves, broadcasters face a delicate balancing act between maintaining high professional standards and adopting sustainable practices.

The guest speaker noted that political influences can undermine editorial independence, leading to biased reporting and a loss of credibility.

Identifying that financial constraints can lead to compromises in content quality and ethical standards, Prof. Adeyemo added that media houses must be financially stable to sustain operations by diversifying revenue streams, such as advertising, subscriptions, and partnerships.