By Nudoiba Ojen
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said shop owners at the Oba Lipede International Market, Kuto, Abeokuta, who lost valuables during Saturday night inferno will be supported by the state government.
Abiodun said that enumeration would be carried out to determine the loses incurred by shop owners at the market to immediately provide succour to those affected and ensure that they can quickly come back on their feet.
The governor gave the assurance when he toured the market to ascertain the level of destruction caused by the fire incident.
He praised the state fire service for their timely intervention, which prevented the fire from extending to other parts of the market.
The governor said, “A lot of our people have sustained loses; those who are selling fabrics, food items, those who are tailors, those who are selling dried food items, flours, banana, plantain, yam. But, thankfully, our fire service team responded on time. The emergency response system was activated.
“All hands are on deck. So, what we are going to do is to first enumerate the loses that have been incurred so we can provide cushion to them.
“It is most unfortunate that this has happened at this time, the time when most of them are struggling. So, we feel their pains and we identify with them. I have told them they are not alone. I will not leave them alone.
“As a responsible government, we are going to step in and provide the needed support for them at this time so they can continue to do their businesses,” he said.
The Governor said the government would study the report on why the fire started and look at how best to prevent future occurrence.
He disclosed that he has directed the Bureau of Electrical Services to provide better illumination and lighting for the market, which was built over 40 years ago.
