FIRE GUTS IJEBU-ODE INTERNATIONAL MARKET

The eyewitness account said, the intervention of the men of the State Fire Service, Ijebu-Ode, with joint effort of the market operators later put out the fire.

The Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi on visit to the scene of the inferno on Monday, to ascertain level of destruction, with an assurance of Government’s support for the victims to have a new lease of livelihood.

Penpushing further reports Talabi while speaking with journalists during the assessment visit, described the incident as very unfortunate and devastating, appealed to the traders to show love, concern and render assistance to the affected persons, reassuring that the government would not neglect the victims in their own peril.

“We are here on the express directive of the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to inspect the situation. The damage here may not look extensive on the outside but the extent of damage in terms of value is a lot. A total of about 16 to 20 shops have been destroyed by the fire. I want to appreciate everyone, particularly Market security operatives and the fire fighters for curtailing the situation”, he added.

Penpushing also reports that speaking on the deplorable state and other challenges affecting business activities in the market built over 35 years ago during the Olabisi Onabanjo regime, the State Scribe expressed displeasure at the way the market was being managed, and saying there was urgent need to revive the market.

The member, representing Ijebu-Ode constituency, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Kemi Oduwole in his remarks sympathized with the affected victims, saying government would come to their rescue.

Penpushing reports that, narrating their ordeal, Secretary, Iyaloja-in Council, Akile Ijebu, Princess Sade Alatishe said, “some of the challenges affecting smooth operations in the market was the problem of water supply, lack of a fire brigade outpost and particularly, the issue of unused lock up shops in the market amongst many others, calling on the State government to come to their aid towards addressing the anomalies.

The Iyalaje of the market, Alhaja Kausara Aberuagba, in her reaction  revealed that ‘’the market, which could boasts of six generating sets and other basic amenities in the past was now  a shadow of itself, appealing to government to review the market operations and find lasting solution to the issue at hand.

Penpushing further reports that, after the inspection, Talabi, who led the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Olusola Subair, Consultant to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, Ms. Sola Arobieke and Member, representing Ijebu-ode State Constituency,  Kemi Oduwole to the market, held a brief meeting with the market executives and affected victims on government’s next line of action.