From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Kebbi State Government has donated N30 million to the victims of the early morning inferno, same day, at the Sokoto Central Market.
This donarion was announced by the State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, when he paid a sympathy visit to his Sokoto State counterpart, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal at Government House, Sokoto.
The Kebbi State Governor said that, he was deeply touched on receiving the sad news of the blaze which raged for several hours.
He regretted that, the inferno had destroyed assorted properties, believed to be worth millions of naira, although he was elated that, there was no life lost.
The governor said: “The people and Government of Kebbi State are Indeed saddened by this sad development.
” We are however praying the Almighty Allah to replenish whatever might have been lost to the unfortunate disaster and prevent its recurrence .
” We are with you always, in happiness or sadness and this money is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the victims, affected by the inferno,” he added.
Responding , Governor Tambuwal lauded the invaluable and unprecedented maiden gesture to the victims, coming just few hours after the fire disaster was just put out .
The governor said that, the people and government of the state lacked the words to express gratitude to Bagudu, even as he prayed the Almighty Allah to reward him abundantly.
He lamented that, the sad development came at a time when things were a bit tight , not only in Sokoto State,but in Nigeria and the world.
Tambuwal further remarked that, the incredible gesture of Bagudu showed that, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States were still one and the same.
Tambuwal said that, all available resources were marshalled in the consolidated efforts to put out the fire , as diligently coordinated by his Deputy , Alhaji Mannir Dan Iya.
The governor also acknowledged the unpreventable efforts of the State and Federal fire Services, the Air Force, Military, Police, Nigeria and Security Civil Defence Corps and other agencies, in helping to quench the blaze.
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu along with his Sokoto State counterpart, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal also visited the Sokoto Central Market to sympathise with the traders.
In another development, governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was at the palace of emir of Argungu to condole and sympathise with emir and people of Argungu emirate over a trailer accident which occured on Sunday night.
It could be recalled that a tragic trailer accident occured on Sunday night while the trailer carrying passengers, properties and livestock on transit from Bachaka in Argungu to Lagos lost control and summersaulted .
The governor was received by the emir of Argungu at his palace by, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera, his Councillors, Chairman of Direct Labour Agency, Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Dantani (Magajin Rafi), member representing Arewa , Hon Samaila Salihu Biu and the Chairman of Arewa local Government, Garba Muhammed Yeldu.
The emir expressed the appreciation of Argungu Emirate, families and relatives of the deceased and the injured for the visit of the governor.
He thanked the governor for all the support and assistance accorded to the victims of the trailer accident by Kebbi State Government.
In his words ” On behalf of the emirate and the people especially the families affected by the accident, I wish to deeply appreciate the sympathy visit by the governor.
” It is gratifying to note that each time people are bedivilled by one form of unfortunate situation, the governor is always there for them to show his concern over their plight “.
The emir told the governor that 48 passengers in the trailer sustained various degrees of injuries while 7 persons lost their lives.
He further explained that one of the deceased was an indigine of Niger Republic and the trailer was also carrying properties and livestock .
Mera however announced that some of the victims have been discharged from hospital and have since joined their families.
The monarch also used the opportunity to condole the governor on the unfortunate death of former Minister of Sports, Engr Bala Bawa Kaoje who died in Abuja today.
The governor was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Muhammadu Suleiman Argungu (Jarman Kabi) and Alhaji Abdullahi Maitandu, the Overseer of Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has pledged to sustain the promotion of economic and commercial activities in order to bolster the rapid development of the state.
The governor made the pledge on Monday while flagging off the presentation of keys of the newly constructed shops to traders at Birnin Kebbi central market which was razed by fire five years ago.
According to the governor, over two billion naira was spent on renovation and reconstruction of the Birnin Kebbi Central market following a midnight inferno which razed the market.
Bagudu said that it was in realisation of the importance his administration attached to promotion of socio economic activities, such amount was spent on reconstruction of the modern market which comprises state of the art facilities such as Police Station and fire Station among others.
The governor appreciated the patience and endurance demonstrated by the traders over the long period for the repairs.
He directed the market management to prudently distribute the newly constructed shops to the original owners before considering those who do not have.
‘ The market management has been directed to issue keys to the original owners before thinking of giving out the shops to new applicants.
” Those who do not have shops should apply by filling forms. About 350 shops will be given out today for the flag off excercise ‘, he said.
The elated governor reassured the market traders of his administration’s unwavering support to enhancing their business environment.
He urged the traders to form cooperatives and associations in order to continue to get Government support and assistance to enhance their business.
Bagudu also charged the traders to reciprocate the gesture by maintaining regular sanitation of their environment, observation of safety measures as well as moderating the prices of the products.
” I call on the traders to reciprocate this kind gesture by making sure that the prices of their products are not inimical to the wishes of people”, he appealed.
The governor was represented by the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Malami Shekare also disclosed that over 2 billion was expended in the repairs and reconstruction of the burnt market.
He assured that the ministry would ensure justice and transparency in the distribution of shops by giving top priority to the original owners .
The Chairman House Comttee on Lands and Housing, Hon Habibu Labbo Gwandu who represented the Speaker remarked that today’s event was historic following the renovation of the market after it had been gutted by fire.
The lawmaker hailed the governor for what he described as ‘ fulfillment of governor Bagudu’s promise to resuscitate the burnt market.
‘ This is part of economic transformation of Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu to keep economic activities alive ‘.
He urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of their business premises.
The Chairman Market Traders Association, Alhaji Umaru Dangura Gwadangaji and the General Manager of Birnin Kebbi Central Market, Aminu Umar all commended Governor Bagudu for living up to his promise . The duo praised governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for the historic distribution of keys to the beneficiaries.
Speaking shortly after the collection of their keys , Mustapha Zauro, one of the traders, commended the governor for rebuilding the market with all the required facilities.
He described the event ‘ as a happy day to traders in the state’.
Aron Onegbo, an Igbor trader described governor Bagudu as detribalised leader.
He was particularly delighted for the governor’s directive for consideration to be given first to the original shop owners before new ones.
Highlights of the event was the formal presentation of Keys to traders by distinguished personalities at the event.
It could be recalled that the Birnin Kebbi Central Market was gutted by fire in 2015 and the governor graciously approved the reconstruction of the market with modern facilities.
