-Residents berate J5 Club and Lounge over fire outbreak
– Cause of fire outbreak still a mystery – residents
– Management’s press statement says investigation over the cause of fire outbreak that claimed five lives ‘ongoing’
– Declared ‘Support’, and ‘prayer’ for bereaved families
By Fakunle Sheriff Ekundayo
The fire incident that claimed the lives of five staff members of the J5 club and lounge situated on Kirikiri road of Araromi community at Ajeromi-Ifelodun local government has confirmed the urgent need for relevant government agencies to take proactive steps on the need for communal orientation and re-orientation on fire safety and guidance.
The Alayabiagba gas explosion which occurred earlier in the year is still fresh in the memories of families and members of the community who lost their loved ones.
In order to nip the situation in the bud, the government at the grassroots must take holistic steps by partnering with safety agencies on measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the community.
In a press statement released by management of J5 Club and Lounge; it commiserated with families of the bereaved, saying that the hospitality company {J5 Club and Lounge} was going to support the family and offer prayer.
The statement initially highlighted properties damaged by the fire incidents and prayed for the lives of the departed in one breath.
It also announced that management would work with the safety agency to determine the cause of the fire outbreak.
Taking a cursory look at the press statement released by the J5 Club and Lounge at Ajeromi-Ifelodun local government, the statement has left many questions unanswered and has created public outcry judging from the comments on social media.
Firstly, while it is uncertain whether there are provisions for fire safety gadgets such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishing spray, water products or fire escape ladders, the deed has been done, and an investigation into the cause of the fire incidents should be made public.
Unofficial reports that were gathered reveal that the fire outbreak commenced at the VIP section of the club and that the incident which claimed five lives caught the victims unaware.
The questions that require urgent answers should include the following: whether there was only one exit door as an escape route? Were the affected victims trying to scamper for safety and stampede themselves in the process out of panic and fear? Was there no fire extinguisher or fire escape ladder in place of the fire incident? Had there been a conscious effort by the management of the club and lounge to engage staff members in seminars and retreats that bother on safety measures in the hospitality business? And what has been the effort of government both at the State and local to regulate safety and standard procedures of workers and customers in the hospitality business?
One of the victims Ada Precious, according to information gathered on the Ajegunle Meeting Facebook page, was the fifth child out of seven to have died before the eyes of her mother. This is emotionally gruelling and psychologically devastating for a woman who has become unnaturally accustomed to death and mourning before her seven decades on earth!
To Esther, Habib and others who died in the fatal fire incident, their families must be comforted at this point of bereavement. Some of these victims are breadwinners in their families, and it is understandable how economic hardship could take a toll on the lives of their dependents.
This is a wake-up call for the government at the grassroots to embark on a sincere rescue mission and advocacy drive on communal orientation and reorientation about fire safety measures at household and business outlets across communities in the local government.
Lagos State Fire Safety Commission, as part of her ‘Corporate Social Responsibilities’ {CSR} should regulate safety tips for hospitality industries in grassroots communities, and ensure adherence to the safety measures inherent in the protection of lives and properties.
This is one death too many, and while the members of the community in Ajeromi-Ifelodun local government commiserate with families who lost their beloved. The olive branch must also be extended to Chief Okorie, owner of J5 Club and Lounge over the loss of properties that amount to billions of naira. The entertainment and relaxation hub which celebrated its 9th year recently has been at the forefront of the hospitality industry and has provided employment opportunities for young adults in grassroots communities of Ajeromi-Ifelodun local government in Lagos-Nigeria.
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