By Kehinde Erin
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has donated N34 million to victims of the fire incident that ravaged Lokoja GSM Village.
This gesture demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by the disaster.
Presenting the cheques to those affected in Lokoja, Governor Ododo emphasised his administration’s commitment to supporting victims of the GSM village fire disaster to enable them get back on their feet.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, who also serves as the Chairman of the State Emergency Management Board, Governor Ododo said the payment of over N34 million in compensation demonstrates the administration’s dedication to providing relief and support to those impacted by the fire.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing swift relief and long-term support to all residents of Kogi State, affectionately known as Kogites. This gesture demonstrates the government’s dedication to helping those affected by the disaster get back on their feet.
“We came here after the fire incident and promised you that we would come back. We sympathise with all the victims of the incident. The committee has done inventory of those affected by the fire incident, and we are going to compensate people according to the enumeration process. We are here today to fulfill the promise we made to you he said.”
In a symbolic gesture of support, the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSE)A), Muktar Atimah, presented cheques to the victims of the fire incident.
The compensation ranged from N500,000 to N1 million and N5 million, providing much-needed financial relief to those affected by the disaster.
According to Muktar Atimah, the Executive Secretary of KOSEMA, the compensation amounts were tiered based on the nature of the victims’ businesses. Those who owned shops selling phones and phone accessories received higher compensation amounts, while phone repairers received relatively lower amounts.
The committee set up to investigate the GSM Village fire incident has recommended relocating the village for safety purposes. This decision was made after a thorough examination, as the committee was given just two weeks to deliver their verdict following the incident.
Reacting, the Secretary of the GSM Village Phone Association, Miracle Elom, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Ododo for his generous compensation to victims of the GSM village fire incident. Elom promised that the association would make wise use of the funds provided, acknowledging the governor’s kindness and commitment to supporting those affected by the disaster.
Dignitaries from the Kogi State government attended the presentation, including the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engineer Yahaya Farouq, and Bin-Ebiya Shehu Tijani, the member representing Lokoja 1 in the state Assembly. Other government appointees were also in attendance, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to supporting those affected by the fire incident.
Recall that a devastating fire swept through the GSM village on September 12, 2024, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, with numerous shops and properties valued at millions of naira reduced to ashes.
Governor Ododo, swiftly responded to the GSM village fire incident by visiting the scene just a day after the disaster. During his visit, he promptly established a committee, led by the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), to investigate the underlying causes of the fire and provide compensation to those affected.
