Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has handed over relief materials to affected traders at the recent Oluku Market fire disaster, with a promise to build the market to a modern standard.
Speaking on Wednesday while presenting relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EDOSEMA) , he assured traders who lost goods and shops that the state government will not abandon them.
“This has demonstrated how much we care about you. We love you, we feel your pain, and we have come with these little things to share among you. We know you are not happy, but no matter what you receive from us, we will always appreciate it. It is better to show little concern than not to show concern at all”, the governor said.
He added: “The day we finish this market, you will know that you have a market. We are going to build a standard market for you. When you go to the market, you will be proud of your place of business.
“If you had a standard market, the fire might not have destroyed your goods the way it did. We are going to build with concrete so that your goods will be safe. When you lock your shops, your items will remain safe,” the governor said.
He disclosed that he had briefed President Bola Tinubu on the fire, and that the President directed that the affected shops be rebuilt.
Promising further support for the victims while asking them to manage their expectations said: “We are also going to support you. We will not leave you to suffer. We will give you some form of assistance and it may not be bigger than what you lost”.
Governor Okpebholo urged residents to keep praying for President Tinubu, noting that part of the development now taking place in Edo State followed the President’s directives.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of EDOSEMA, Mr Jerry Idahosa, said the agency would work with NEMA and other stakeholders to monitor the recovery of the affected traders. He urged the beneficiaries to use the relief materials wisely.
Idahosa also warned members of the public against scooping fuel from fallen or leaking tankers, citing the dangers of the practice.
Some of the traders thanked the governor and other stakeholders for coming to their aid. They said the materials would ease their hardship and restore some hope after the disaster.
One of them, Mrs Ann Ogbowman, said she lost everything in the fire. She nonetheless expressed gratitude to the governor and the agencies, saying the items would help her cope.
