**New Year Tragedy: A Lesson in Safety** As Nigeria ushers in a new year, many of us are still grappling with the devastating consequences of a fire outbreak in a Swiss nightclub on New Year's Day. The tragedy claimed the lives of several young people, leaving families and friends in mourning. But what exactly happened that fateful night, and what can we learn from this disaster? **The Lockdown that Cost Lives** The shocking truth is that a service door at the nightclub was locked, preventing many patrons from escaping the inferno. This preventable mistake resulted in the loss of numerous lives, with many victims in their teens and early twenties. The ages of those who died range from 14 to 39, a sobering reminder of the fragility of life. **Safety Measures: A Matter of Urgency** In Nigeria, nightclubs and bars are popular hangouts for young people, and it's essential that these establishments prioritize safety above all else. The Swiss nightclub tragedy is a stark reminder that safety protocols must be strictly enforced. This includes ensuring that emergency exits are accessible and unobstructed at all times. **Lessons from Abroad** While the incident occurred in Switzerland, the implications are far-reaching. As Nigeria continues to develop its entertainment industry, we must draw lessons from this tragedy. We must ensure that our own nightclubs and bars adhere to strict safety standards, including regular fire drills, working fire alarms, and unobstructed emergency exits. **A Call to Action** The New Year's Day fire tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of safety in public places. As we reflect on this incident, we must also acknowledge the efforts of those who are working tirelessly to prevent such disasters. From regulatory bodies to nightclub owners, we must all come together to ensure that our entertainment venues prioritize safety above profit. **Conclusion** The Swiss nightclub fire disaster serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety in public places. As we move forward into a new year, let us learn from this tragedy and prioritize safety in our entertainment venues. By doing so, we can prevent such disasters from occurring and ensure that our nightclubs and bars remain safe havens for young people to enjoy themselves.