The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, has donated ₦2.5 million to traders and residents affected by the recent fire outbreak at Bode Market in Ibadan, as part of efforts to support victims recovering from the devastating incident.
Adekanmbi made the donation during a visit to the market, where he met with traders, community leaders, and victims whose shops and sources of livelihood were destroyed by the inferno.
Expressing sympathy to those affected, the APM governorship hopeful described the incident as a tragic setback for hundreds of families and small business owners who depend on the market for their daily income.
He said the financial contribution was intended to provide immediate relief to victims as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their businesses and restoring their means of livelihood.
According to Adekanmbi, the donation reflects his commitment to standing with communities during periods of hardship, stressing that public service should extend beyond political campaigns to include practical support for people in times of crisis.
He also called on government agencies, corporate organisations, philanthropists, and well-meaning Nigerians to assist the victims, noting that collective support would help ease their burden and accelerate the recovery process.
During the visit, Adekanmbi interacted with traders who recounted the extent of their losses, with many explaining that goods worth millions of naira were destroyed in the blaze. Several victims appealed for additional assistance, saying the fire had wiped out years of investment and left many families without a source of income.
Community representatives and market leaders expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and encouraging. They said the donation would help cushion the impact of the disaster, even as they appealed for further intervention from the Oyo State Government and relevant emergency management agencies.
The fire outbreak at Bode Market caused significant destruction, consuming numerous shops and merchandise. Although no official estimate of the total financial losses has been released, the incident has left many traders struggling to recover from the economic impact.
Market fires remain a recurring challenge in several parts of Nigeria, often resulting in extensive property damage and disruption to commercial activities. Stakeholders have repeatedly called for improved fire safety measures, better emergency response systems, and greater awareness among traders to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
Adekanmbi reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives that promote the welfare of residents and strengthen support for small businesses, describing traders as critical contributors to Oyo State’s economy. He urged the affected victims to remain hopeful, assuring them that they were not alone in their efforts to rebuild their lives and businesses.
The donation comes amid growing calls for increased public and private sector support for victims of disasters, as many affected communities continue to seek assistance to recover from unexpected losses.
