By Salisu Ibrahim Fagge
The Kano State Government says its decision to provide financial support and coordinate assistance to victims of Farm Center GSM Market fire inferno, was not meant to prevent public support to victims but to ensure proper reconstruction of the market and prevent victims from exploitation.
The State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya made the clarification, Thursday, in a Statement he personally signed.
He said, it was sad that speculations and rumours are circulating on some media platforms regarding public donations to victims of the fire incident, hence the decision of the Kano State Government to clarify on its position and explain its plans to reconstrct the market.
“At no time did the state government say or imply that individuals or organizations are not allowed to donate to the affected traders. The government deeply appreciates the spirit of solidarity, empathy, and generosity demonstrated by some concerned Nigerians, especially philanthropists and corporate bodies, since the time the unfortunate incident occurred”, Comrade Waiya said.
He said however, in order to ensure proper coordination, transparency, and equitable distribution of assistance to genuine victims, the government had set up a High Powered committee while a dedicated bank account has been opened for the collection of such donations.
“This initiative is not intended to discourage contributions from the general public but rather to prevent duplication, mismanagement, or misdirection of relief materials and financial aid for the affected victims”, he added
“It is important to emphasize that, this coordination mechanism aims to guarantee that every kobo or material support reaches those who truly suffered losses. Traders whose shops, goods, and means of livelihood were destroyed in the inferno area the ones to get the assistance, he stressed.
He said, the direct government intervention of over N2 billion as approved by the State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf was for the reconstruction, expansion, and modernization of the Farm Centre GSM Market.
The funds would be used in rebuilding damaged plazas and shops, as well as for the expansion of the market through acquisition of additional space, establishing a fully equipped fire station within the market, and installation of solar-powered streetlights to enhance security and night-time activities, the Commissioner further elaborates.
In the same vein, the State Government will institute a dedicated market management structure to promote transparency, orderliness, and long-term sustainability of the market.
While reiterating its unwavering support to the victims of the GSM Market fire and welcomes all well-intentioned support, while urging that donations be routed Kano State Government, urged all those interested in supporting the victims to do so through proper channels to avoid chaos, politicization or exploitation of the situation.