By Albert Akota
Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has said that the priority of all tiers of government should be to ensure that victims of the Akesan Market fire get the needed assistance to enable them get back on their feet.
He stated this in Oyo Town yesterday when he visited the Palace of Alaafin Oyo to present relief materials to victims of the fire. He said he was in the ancient town to also commiserate with the people on the fire disaster that razed Akesan market in the early hours of last Sunday.
“I have written and spoken with Minister of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, who is on lesser Hajj. She has assured that NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) will intervene.
“I am confident that the minister will do the needful when she visits Oyo next week,” the Minister disclosed.
“I had promised to work with all the relevant stakeholders to bring succor to those affected by the fire.
Earlier today I was in Ibadan, where I engaged Governor Seyi Makinde on this matter. I will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to see what intervention can be made to bring relief to victims of the fire.
“The priority is to ensure that victims of the fire get the needed assistance to help them get back on their feet,” the Minister added.
Mr. Dare, who hails from Oyo State, later presented the relief materials to the Alaafin of Oyo.
The Minister also visited the burnt market where he encouraged victims of the fire not to lose hope while charging that they have the potential to rise up stronger from what had befallen them.
