Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Ogun State government has compensated victims of Lafenwa market fire caused by a petrol tanker which occurred lady year November ust as it warned that it would no longer tolerate any form of attack on its public officers.
The State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Barr. Femi Ogunbanwo, while performing the official payment of the compensation in Abeokuta to representatives of the affected traders and fire officers, said the development was in fulfillment of the government’s promise to the victims.
Ogunbanwo who was the Chairman of the State Government Special Committee on Lafenwa Market Fire, read riot-act to miscreants that attacked fire-fighters and their equipment during the incident, saying anyone caught in such act would be arrested and handed over to the Police for prosecution.
He stated that the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration had repositioned relevant government agencies managing fire disasters, approved construction of new ultra-modern fire service stations, purchase of new fire-fighting vehicles, and modern equipment across the State to prevent losses in the event of fire outbreak.
“We have also embarked on training of our fire officials in line with global best practices and technology. We are confident that the ongoing massive infrastructural developments, across our State were carefully designed and built to avert the effect of fire incident”, Ogunbanwo stated.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for the quick release of funds to cushion the effect of the disaster on the victims, urging the affected traders to see the compensation as a demonstration of the present administration’s commitment to their welfare.
Also speaking, his counterpart in Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Funmi Efuwape, who is also a member of the Committee eulogised the Governor for his prompt response to the recommendations of the Committee, saying the gesture would uplift business activities of the traders.
In her remarks, the President-General of the Ogun Markets Women, Alhaja Oluwayemisi Abass showered encomium on the government for the compensation, stating that it would assist victims to get back to business, while a beneficiary, David Okafor also appreciated the financial support on behalf of others.