The Member representing Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin, on Monday, 5 February, 2024, visited the scene of the fire incident, which razed some shops at the Orita-Aperin market, Ward 4 of the Ibadan North East Local Government Area, in Ibadan.
Agboworin, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, sympathized with the victims, urging them to trust in God for a speedy recovery from the shock and rehabilitation of their shops and goods.
At the scene, the lawmaker announced a donation of N500,000 which, according to him, would be handed over to the leadership of the market including the Babaloja and Iyaloja for proper coordination of the fund.
Apart from the donation, the lawmaker equally promised to fix the borehole system and give the market an industrial generating set, which he said would be delivered later in the week.
He said: “I feel so sad about this unfortunate incident. Of course, we all know that at this particular period, incidents such as this are bound to occur simply because we are in the dry season.
“So, I am here to let our people know that I feel for them and I have their interest at heart. For this reason, I will support the victims of the market with a sum of N500,000. I will provide fund for the damaged pumping machine. Also, a generating set, during the week, will be delivered to you.
“I equally want to sensitize you that during this dry season, you need to be careful and take necessary preventions. Things that can easily trigger fire incidents should be watched out for.”
The Chairman of the Ibadan North East Local Government Area, Ibrahim Akintayo, who joined the lawmaker to visit the scene, also promised to donate a sum of N250,000 to support the victims.
Responding, Babaloja and Iyaloja of the market, Baba Ayinde Delesolu and Iyaafin Kemi Akala respectively, appreciated the lawmaker for extending his hands of support to the market through the donation, saying it is the biggest of all donations.
They noted that the traders were jolted by the incident, considering the goods and properties that were damaged.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman of Ibadan North East, Pa Fatokun Abuye, who also joined the lawmaker, while speaking, commiserated with the victims, assuring them that the lawmaker would fulfill his promises in no time.