On Thursday, the Kebbi government donated N20 million to traders affected by the fire outbreak at Argungu in Argungu LGA.

The fire engulfed Argungu market, where a number of shop owners lost millions of naira.

Speaking at the distribution of the money to the affected traders at the Emir of Argungu’s palace in Argungu, Deputy Governor Umar Abubakar-Tafida said it was not meant to settle the losses incurred by the traders but to cushion the effect of the ugly incident.

He said a standing committee had been 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 the money received was used to improve their businesses.

In his speech, the Emir of Argungu, Muhammad Sama’ila-Mera, appreciated the state government for what he described as a holistic approach and prompt response to the plight of common people.

The traditional ruler, represented by the Gurduden Kabi, Alhaji Ibrahim Kuldo, lauded the deputy governor for visiting the scene of the fire outbreak immediately after the incident, saying that it was a sign of good leadership.

Chairman of Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Bello Yakubu-Rilisco, said Governor Nasir Idris-led administration remained committed to bringing succour to the people.

“Whenever and wherever something happened, be it fire, flood, windstorm or displacement, His Excellency ensures that government reaches out to the affected people to cushion the effect of such 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,” Mr Yakubu-Rilisco said.

Responding on behalf of his members, the chairman of the Argungu Traders’ Association, Labbon Fakon-Sarki, thanked the government for the gesture, assuring that the beneficiaries would put the money to good use. 

(NAN)