The tragic tragedy in Ibadan, in which 35 children died at what should have been a joyous celebration of love and goodwill, exemplifies a fundamental fact in humanitarian work: good intentions may lead to disaster if not backed up by expert protective procedures.
Beyond Good Intentions
The philanthropic sector frequently operates under the false notion that noble intentions give protection from calamity. This mentality has frequently proved fatal. When 35 innocent lives are lost in a rush at a children’s fun fair, we are confronted with the harsh fact that kindness without professional discipline is not only insufficient but also negligent.
The tragedy forces us to face an uncomfortable truth: the informal non-profit/philanthropic sector (also common in formal non-profits) frequently rejects typical professional norms in commercial operations. This resistance, fuelled by a false assumption that good intentions trump realistic protections, generates a perfect storm in which preventable catastrophes become unavoidable.
Professional Standards: A Non-negotiable Framework
Safeguarding is not an administrative duty that needs to be eliminated but rather a fundamental task requiring constant dedication. Professional event management necessitates extensive protocols that cover crowd dynamics, emergency response, and risk mitigation. These are not optional extras but necessary components of a responsible humanitarian effort.
The unfortunate incident in Ibadan demonstrates the disastrous effects of treating safeguarding as secondary to benevolent purpose. Professional standards must not be sacrificed for convenience or cost when organising events, especially those involving vulnerable groups such as children. The cost of such a compromise is reflected in lives lost.
Accountability in the Face of Tragedy
The judicial actions following the Ibadan tragedy established an important precedent. Status, reputation, and charitable intent do not exempt organisers from the repercussions of protection breaches. This accountability is critical to the evolution of the philanthropic sector. It sends a clear message: amateur philanthropy is no longer acceptable.
Individuals and organisations must understand that professional safety requirements are not bureaucratic barriers but life-saving necessities. No matter how benevolent, every event must be prepared with the same meticulous attention to safety as any commercial effort. This includes extensive risk assessments, professional security measures, and emergency response plans.
The Path Forward
The philanthropic industry is at a crossroads. We may either stick with the harmful idea that good intentions are enough, or we can embrace the professional standards that safeguarding requires. The decision is obvious, but putting it into action will necessitate a fundamental adjustment in our approach to philanthropic work.
Future events must be founded on professional expertise, not just humanitarian passion. This entails investing in correct training, implementing strong safety measures, and remaining steadfastly committed to safeguarding principles.
Although the expense of such an investment may appear considerable, as Ibadan tragically shows, the cost of inadequate safeguarding is unfathomable.
An Appeal to Professional Conscience
The deaths of 35 children in Ibadan must be more than just a tragedy; they must also act as a catalyst for change. The philanthropic industry must adopt a new paradigm in which professional protection standards are as important as altruistic intentions. Anything less dishonours the memories of those who have died and puts future beneficiaries at risk.
The time for emotive approaches to philanthropy is over. We must now embrace a future in which charity is distinguished by good intentions and an unshakeable dedication to professional standards and preserving excellence. The lives of people we want to aid require nothing less.
*Mofoyeke Omole, safeguarding and organisation culture change expert, writes from Abuja.
