The Oyo State Government has announced mandatory safety guidelines for St. Valentine’s Day celebrations, urging corporate bodies, event planners, and individuals to prioritize safety and responsibility.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, highlighted the need for collaboration with security agencies such as the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Civil Defence Corps to ensure effective logistics and security.
Additionally, adherence to health protocols, including hygiene and ventilation, is essential. Event planners must coordinate with security and medical personnel to select venues and ensure adequate medical support. Non-compliance with these guidelines may lead to legal consequences.
Saint Valentine’s Day commemorates the martyrdom of Saint Valentine, a 3rd-century Roman saint. There are actually two saints with the same name, Valentine the Presbyter of Rome and Hieromartyr Valentine the Bishop of Intermna, both of whom were martyred in the 3rd century.
The day became associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, where Geoffrey Chaucer’s poetry linked Saint Valentine’s Day to courtly love.
Today, it’s celebrated on February 14th in many countries, with traditions including exchanging love messages, gifts, and flowers.Interestingly, the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Valentine’s Day on July 6th and July 30th, honoring the two different saints.
Some churches, like the Church of England, commemorate Saint Valentine as a bishop and martyr ².In Ireland, people visit the Shrine of St. Valentine in Dublin’s Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church, praying for love and romance.
The shrine is said to house relics of Saint Valentine of Rome ².Overall, Saint Valentine’s Day has evolved into a celebration of love and romance, while still honoring the martyrdom of the original Saint Valentine.
THE OYO STATE PRESS RELEASE BELOW 👇
Oyo Govt Reiterates Safety Guidelines for St. Valentine’s Day Celebrations .
The Oyo State Government has reiterated mandatory safety guidelines to corporate bodies, event planners, and individuals organizing St. Valentine’s Day celebrations, emphasizing that the day should be observed in a safe and responsible manner.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, 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 Oyo 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.Prince Oyelade warned that failure to comply with these directives will result in severe consequences under the law.
E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon. Commissioner for Information Oyo State 12th February, 2025.