Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the donation of N100m as compensation to victims of the Akere market fire.
Sanwo-Olo made the donation on Wednesday when he visited the traders in the burnt Akere Motor Parts and Allied Dealers Association (AMPADA) in Ajegunle.
The governor also disclosed that the reconstructed market would now be a story building instead of the bungalow it was before the fire incident last week which left one person dead and several goods worth millions of naira destroyed.
He laid the foundation for a new two-story market building in the place, saying the efforts were to help alleviate the plight of the traders who lost goods and cash in the fire.
Sanwo-Olu said, “A week or less ago we promised to come back here to give immediate support to the people who were affected by the unfortunate incident. This isn’t politics, it’s just a coincidence that it is a political season.
“I’m happy to be here to lay the foundation for the new market building. Now it’s a storey building, and the small compensation that will alleviate the suffering and loss of our traders here.
“It’s for us to make a clear stand that we are not about the ethnic or religious division, we are a government that is people- centred and working to make things better for them, no matter what party or where they come from.
“As long as they are law abiding, keep to laws guiding the environment and respect the heritage of where they do business, they will always be accommodated.
“This will also send a clear message to people who want to divide us that we won’t let a little number disunite a large number of people, we won’t give them a space in Lagos and in our government.”
The Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LCDA Fatai Ayoola thanked the governor for keeping to his promise of helping the people, and promised that they will reciprocate his good gestures by voting for him on Saturday.
He said: “True to your word you are here today in Ajegunle to compensate the marketers for their loss and also lay the foundation for their new market. We thank you wish that your efforts will be rewarded in Saturday’s election.
“We assure you that in Ajegunle we will do all within the ambit of the law to canvass for you because you’ve done so much for us. You rebuilt the Obafon and Mbakadoso roads, have us the Maracana Stadium for our youths
“We are greatful and we would forever remain greatful for your steawardship and leadership that you’ve shown to the true people of Ajegunle.”
KanyiDaily recalls that Nollywood actress, Nkiru Umeh had also narrated her ordeal with Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu after the explosion that rocked Abule-Ado area of Lagos.