President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the complete rebuilding of commercial stalls destroyed in the recent fire disaster at Oluku Market in Edo State. The market was razed in a fire that left many traders without goods or a place to do business. The President's directive was made known by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who disclosed that the market will be rebuilt to modern structural standards.
Governor Okpebholo supervised the distribution of relief materials provided by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EDOSEMA) to affected traders. The relief materials are aimed at cushioning the losses of the traders who were affected by the fire disaster. The Governor assured the victims that his administration would not abandon them in their hour of distress and promised further interventions to support them.
The Edo State Government plans to replace the razed makeshift stalls with solid concrete edifices to bolster fire safety and avert future disasters. The planned modern reconstruction is designed to afford merchants a safer, more dignifying business environment. Governor Okpebholo noted that emergency relief consignments could hardly compensate for the total losses incurred by the traders, but the new facilities will provide durable protection for traders and their wares.
The Executive Secretary of EDOSEMA, Mr. Jerry Idahosa, stated that the state emergency outfit is working closely with NEMA and other institutional partners to monitor the rehabilitation and economic recovery of the affected traders. He charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the relief items and cautioned the public against scooping petroleum products from fallen or leaking fuel tankers, citing the catastrophic perils associated with such actions.
Several affected traders commended the state governor and the emergency management authorities for the timely intervention. One of the victims, Mrs. Ann Ogbowman, who lost all her goods to the inferno, described the relief supplies as a critical lifeline that restores hope as they rebuild their livelihoods in the wake of the disaster. The traders expressed gratitude for the support and promised to make good use of the relief materials.
Governor Okpebholo also urged citizens across the state to sustain their support and prayers for President Tinubu, stating that major developmental initiatives and federal interventions unfolding in Edo are products of executive directives issued from the Presidency. The Governor emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state government and the federal government in addressing the needs of the people.
The rebuilding of Oluku Market is expected to provide a safer and more dignifying business environment for traders. The relief materials distributed to affected traders are a temporary measure to support them while they rebuild their livelihoods. The state government's efforts to support the traders have been commended by many, who see it as a demonstration of the government's commitment to the well-being of its citizens.
Key points
- President Tinubu directs rebuilding of Oluku Market after fire disaster
- Edo govt provides relief materials to affected traders
- Market to be rebuilt to modern structural standards to bolster fire safety
