APC governorship candidate Alli donates N25m to Bode Market fire victims

By Adejayan Gbenga

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has donated N25 million to traders affected by the recent fire outbreak at the popular Bode Market in Ibadan, pledging support to help victims recover from their losses.

Alli announced the donation during a visit to the market on Friday, where he commiserated with traders whose shops and goods were destroyed in the inferno. He was received by the market leadership, including the Babaloja, Mr Salau Oloya, and the Iyaloja, Mrs Sikira Alaja, alongside other traders.

Speaking during the visit, the APC flag-bearer expressed sympathy with the victims, describing the fire incident as a painful tragedy that had disrupted the livelihoods of many families. He assured the traders that the APC would always identify with the people during periods of hardship and distress.

The senator stressed that leadership should go beyond campaign promises and political rhetoric, insisting that responsive governance requires empathy, prompt intervention and practical support for citizens facing difficult situations. He added that the N25 million donation was intended to provide immediate relief to those affected.

Alli reiterated that the APC remained committed to restoring hope to the people of Oyo State through responsible leadership, responsive governance and strategic interventions aimed at improving the welfare and livelihoods of residents. He noted that although the financial support could not fully replace what had been lost, it would assist victims as they rebuild.

In a further show of solidarity, the Oyo APC State Women Leader, Dr Adekemi Opatunde, donated an additional N5 million and 15,000 nose masks to support the affected traders and promote improved safety within the market environment.

The intervention was applauded by traders, particularly women, who described the donations as timely and encouraging. They expressed appreciation to Alli and Opatunde for identifying with them during one of the most challenging periods in their lives.

The Bode Market fire destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of naira, leaving many traders counting their losses. Victims have continued to appeal for more support from the government, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to enable them rebuild their businesses and resume normal commercial activities.