Anambra State
Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has once again made good on a promise made before
Ndi Anambra with the distribution of the sum of N10 million as palliatives to
the victims of the Ose-Okwodu Market fire incident of April 2014. Speaking
during the presentation of cheques to the Ninety-Seven beneficiaries at his
Aguleri country home in Anambra East Local Area, governor Obiano said that the
gesture was in keeping with his promise to Ndi Anambra to continue to pursue
programmes that will impact positively on their lives.
The governor also
assured that the government will rebuild the Ose-Okwodu Market, in Onitsha and
equip it with modern facilities under a Public Private Partnership arrangement
to make business transactions in the market a pleasant experience. He restated
his commitment to the welfare of Ndi Anambra and the market men and women. Said
Obiano:" I remember the destruction of goods I saw when I visited the
market last year. I feel particularly connected with the victims of Ose market
fire because my mother also has a shop within the axis which was not affected.
I can tell you that it is from the proceeds that she trained me and my siblings. This is a
support to enable you continue to trade and prosper in your business.”
Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie
Obiano presenting the palliative to one of the affected Traders, Mrs. Ebele
Orji during the compensation of the Ose Market Fire over the weekend…
Obiano noted that
government has since commenced the implementation of the White Paper presented
by the Panel on Ose Market Fire as evident in the provision of Fire truck and
other fire-prevention facilities to the market and the distribution of the cash
compensation. He urged traders across the various markets in the state to shun
practices capable of causing such disasters in markets like cooking and misuse
of electric appliances, noting that his government is working through the
various Market Associations to intensify monitoring activities to ensure safety
at the markets.
Earlier,
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu explained that
following the White paper on the Panel Report, a Sub-committee was set up to
devise a formula for distribution of the total sum of N10 million provided by
the government, to ensure transparency and that all the affected persons
benefit according to the value of their losses.
The Chairman of
the Panel, Igwe Odegbo of Nteje, thanked Governor Obiano for accepting all the
recommendations and keeping his promise to provide succor to the fire victims.
He said that the palliatives ranged from N50,000 each and more depending on the
declared and verified record of loss incurred by the affected traders; adding
that the token gives financial respite to the traders and also re-enforces
their confidence in the government’s commitment towards their welfare.
In her vote of
thanks on behalf of the affected persons, Mrs. Ebele Orji whose joy knew no
bounds, described the governor as a humane leader who is sensitive to the
plights of the led, and prayed God to reward him immensely for the gesture,
assuring him of their support.