The Kebbi State Government, on Thursday, donated N20 million to traders affected by fire outbreak that engulfed the popular Argungu Market in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The fire outbreak had recently consumed Argungu market where several shop owners lost goods worth millions of Naira.
Releasing the money to the affected traders at the Emir of Argungu’s palace in Argungu, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar-Tafida, said the money was not meant to settle the loses incurred by the traders but to cushion the effects of the ugly incident.
He said that a standing committee was set-up to ensure equitable distribution of the money, adding that all affected persons would be treated fairly.
The Deputy Governor advised the beneficiaries to ensure that the money received was put to good use to improve their respective businesses.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Mera in a response appreciated the state government for what he described as a holistic approach and prompt response to the plight of common people.
The Monarch, who was represented by the Gurduden Kabi, Alhaji Ibrahim Kuldo, lauded the deputy governor for visiting the scene of the fire outbreak immediately when the incident happened, saying that it was a signed of good leadership.
The Chairman, Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA), Bello Yakubu-Rilisco said the present administration under Governor Nasir Idris remained a government that brings succour to its people.
“Whenever and wherever something happened, be it fire, flood, windstorm, displacement among others, His Excellency ensures that government reaches out to the affected people to cushion the effect of that disaster.
“Therefore what we are witnessing today is just one out many other efforts of our amiable Governor.
“Let me use this medium to appeal to the beneficiaries of today’s gesture to make judicious use of the money to improve their livelihood,” Yakubu-Rilisco advised.
Responding on behalf of his members, the Chairman, Argungu Traders’ Association, Labbon Fakon-Sarki thanked the Kebbi Government for the gesture and assured that the beneficiaries would put the money to good use.
The action of the state government was contained in a statement by Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor.