The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli, has fulfilled his promise of ₦25 million in financial assistance to traders whose businesses were destroyed by the recent fire at Bode Market in Ibadan.
The funds were presented on Monday through the Iyaloja of the market, Sikiratu Makinde, during a visit to the trading hub in Ibadan South West Local Government Area.
Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, was represented by APC stalwart Shina Alabi at the event.
Addressing the traders, Alabi said the donation reflected Alli’s determination to stand with small business owners during difficult times.
“I remain committed to supporting small businesses and improving the livelihoods of traders across the state.
“This gesture is a demonstration of my sincerity, compassion and unwavering dedication to the welfare of ordinary citizens.
“I recognise the vital role market men and women play in sustaining the state’s economy,” adding that greater opportunities awaited traders under an APC-led administration.
Also present at the presentation were APC Deputy National Auditor, Gbenga Olayemi, and party chieftain Tunji Olanipekun, who praised the traders for their continued support of the party.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Makinde thanked the APC candidate for fulfilling his commitment, describing the donation as “timely and impactful,” while assuring him of the traders’ support.
The financial support followed a fire outbreak that ravaged parts of Bode Market on July 3, destroying shops and goods valued at millions of naira.
One of the traders, identified as Serifat, said the cause of the incident remained unknown.
“The blaze caused extensive damage, leaving many traders counting their losses. We have not known the cause of this fire incident.”
The market is a major commercial centre known for the sale of herbs, animal skins and traditional products, attracting buyers and sellers from across the South West and other parts of the country.
Some victims of the fire, including market youth leader Fatimoh Adebimpe, Kafaya Lucky and Kehinde Moronfade, said they were at home when they received calls informing them that the market was on fire.
“We normally resume here around 7.00 am and close by 7.00 pm as well.
“Whenever they ring the bell, or you hear the sound of the bell in the evening, you must take your leave. So, some of us were already at our different homes when those leaving close to the market started calling us around 10.0pm that the market was on fire.”