Ogun State Government promises to support victims of Ita-Osu Market fire

 

BY KEHINDE BALOGUN

The Ogun State Government has promised to support victims of the fire that ravaged Olabisi Onabanjo Ita-Osu International Market in Ijebu-Ode.

Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, who visited the scene of the inferno on Monday, to ascertain level of destruction, sympathised with the traders and pledged that government will support the victims to have a new lease of livelihood.

The fire, which occurred Sunday evening in two different locations within the Market, started as a thick fume emanating from one of the shops, which later razed other shops on the same wing before men of the State Fire Service, Ijebu-Ode, arrived and with joint effort of the traders put out the fire.

Speaking with newsmen during the assessment visit, Mr. Talabi who described the incident as very unfortunate and devastating, appealed to the traders to show love, concern and render assistance to the affected persons, reassuring that the Prince Dapo Abiodun led-administration would not neglect those who had suffered loss.

“We are here on the express directive of the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to inspect the situation. The damage here may not look extensive on the outside but the extent of damage in terms of value is a lot. A total of about 16 to 20 shops have been destroyed by the fire. I want to appreciate everyone, particularly Market security operatives and the fire fighters for curtailing the situation”, he added.

READ: Onitsha fire disaster: Woman, her 8-month-old baby, 3 others roasted, over 500 shops razed

Speaking on the deplorable state and other challenges affecting business activities in the market built over 35 years ago during the Olabisi Onabanjo regime, the state scribe expressed displeasure at the way the market was being managed, saying there was urgent need to revive the market.

Also speaking, member, representing Ijebu-Ode constituency, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Kemi Oduwole sympathised with the affected victims, saying government would come to their aid.

Narrating their ordeal, Secretary, Iyaloja-in Council, Akile Ijebu, Princess Sade Alatishe said, some of the challenges affecting smooth operations in the market were the problem of water supply, lack of a fire brigade outpost and particularly, the issue of unused lock up shops in the market, among many others, calling on the State government to come to their aid towards addressing the anomalies.

Also speaking, the Iyalaje of the market, Alhaja Kausara Aberuagba, revealed that ‘’the market, which could boast of six generating sets and other basic amenities in the past was now a shadow of itself, appealing to government to review the market operations and find lasting solution to the issues at hand.

After the inspection, Mr. Talabi, who led the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Olusola Subair, Consultant to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, Ms. Sola Arobieke and Member, representing Ijebu-ode State Constituency, Hon. Kemi Oduwole to the market, held a brief meeting with the market executives and affected victims on government’s next line of action.