The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday, doled out the sum of N10 million to the victims of the Ose-Okwodu Market fire disaster of April 2014.

Speaking during the presentation of cheques to the 97 beneficiaries at his Aguleri country home in Anambra East Local Area, 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.

He promised 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 more conducive.

“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 disaster 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,” he said.

The governor maintained that government has since commenced the implementation of the White Paper presented by the panel on Ose market fire disaster as is evident in the provision of fire truck and other fire-prevention facilities available in the market as well as 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 adding that his government is working through the various market associations to intensify monitoring activities to ensure safety at the markets.

Earlier in his speech, the 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 revealed that the palliatives ranged from N50, 000 depending on the declared and verified record of loss incurred by the affected traders.

He added that the token gives financial respite to the traders and also re-enforces their confidence in the government’s commitment towards their welfare.

Giving vote of thanks on behalf of the affected persons, Mrs. Ebele Orji described the governor as a humane leader who not only have a listening ear but is sensitive to the plights of those he is leading, and prayed God to reward him immensely for the gesture.

She also assured the Governor of their unalloyed support throughout his regime.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano with the Ose-Okwodu beneficiary-traders.

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