Ogun compensates victims of Ita-Osu market inferno

Agency Report

Barely eight days after fire destroyed goods and some shops at the Olabisi Onabanjo International Market, Ita-Osu, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State Government has paid compensation to all the victims of the incident.

Presenting cheques to the 16 victims at the market, the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration felt the plight of the victims and that this prompted the timely compensation paid them.

The deputy governor said the amount given to the beneficiaries as compensation, ranging from N1M, N750,000 ,N500, 000 and N250, 000, was to cushion the effect of the loss on the traders.

She said the government, apart from condoling with the victims, had already mandated the Ministry of Works to assess the state of the market so that it could be improved to the desired international standard, calling on the traders to support the efforts geared towards improving the market.

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Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo, called on the traders to reciprocate government’s prompt response by working with government in the ‘ building our future together’ of the present administration.

Secretary, Iyalaje-in-Council for market men and women in Ijebu land, Princess Sade Alatishe, while appreciating the state government, assured of the traders’ support in all the six local government areas of Ijebu land towards the success of the present administration.

Presenting a three-point agenda to the government, Princess Alatishe requested the provision of more amenities in the market, fire fighting equipment as well as the presence of Governor Dapo Abiodun during the 35th anniversary of the market on May 25, 2020.

One of the beneficiaries, Chief Vitalis Olisakwe, who spoke on behalf of others, lauded the government for its timely intervention and assured that they would support the present administration through the prompt payment of taxes and obedience to the laws made by government.

Recall that fire engulfed some parts of the Olabisi Onabanjo International Market on December 15, 2020, prompting the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, to visit the market the following day.