The Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has provided financial compensation and relief items to traders affected by the fire incident at Lafenwa Market in February.
During the presentation of cash to the victims in Abeokuta on Friday, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Efuwape, assured citizens of the government’s unwavering commitment to providing relief. Representing Efuwape, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Lateef Benson, reiterated the government’s dedication to improving the lives of those affected and compensating them for their losses.
Efuwape emphasized that while the initiative aims to alleviate the victims’ hardships, the government acknowledges that full compensation for their losses may not be possible. Nonetheless, she stressed that this gesture is intended to help them get back on their feet and rebuild their businesses.
Mr. Steven Adewale, the NEMA South-West Director, described the assistance as just the beginning, promising further support for the affected individuals soon.
Meanwhile, Mr. Wale Shonde, the Director of the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, advised traders to exercise caution in handling naked flames to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Babaloja of Lafenwa Market, Alhaji Musa Adeyinka, and the Iyaloja, Alhaja Sidikat Owe, expressed gratitude to both the federal and state governments for their assistance. They asserted that the compensation provided is sufficient for traders to restart their businesses.