Following the inferno that destroyed market buildings and goods worth billions of Nigeria at the Eke Okigwe Market, Senator of the Okigwe Zone, Patrick Ndubueze, has extended his heartfelt condolences to traders and business owners.
The senator decried the devastating effects of the fire outbreak at Eke Okigwe Market, assuring them that he shares in their grief during this difficult period.
Represented during the condolence visit by the Okigwe Local Government Liaison Officer, Hon. Elder Ndubueze Nwokoro, who was accompanied by the APC Okigwe LGA Woman Leader, the Youth Mobilizer, and the Senator’s Senior Special Assistant on Media for Okigwe, the team visited the market to sympathize with the victims and assess the extent of the destruction.
Addressing the affected traders, the team conveyed Senator Ndubueze’s deep concern over the unfortunate incident, describing the inferno as a painful setback for hardworking entrepreneurs whose investments and means of livelihood were consumed by the fire.
The team encouraged the victims not to lose hope, assuring them that the Senator remains committed to identifying with the people in moments of both celebration and adversity.
The Chairman of Eke Okigwe Market, Mr. Loveday Eboh, expressed appreciation to Senator Patrick Ndubueze for promptly reaching out to the victims through the visit.
He described the Senator’s gesture as a demonstration of compassionate leadership and pleaded for every possible intervention and support that would assist those who suffered heavy losses to recover and rebuild their businesses.
As part of the visit, the Senator’s team also proceeded to the Okigwe Fire Service Office to obtain firsthand information on the circumstances surrounding the agency’s inability to effectively contain the fire outbreak.
During the interaction, a staff member of the Fire Service Commission lamented the operational challenges confronting the station, citing the acute shortage of functional firefighting equipment, inadequate logistics, and the deteriorating condition of the office facility.
He appealed to government at all levels and relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene by providing modern firefighting equipment, operational vehicles, and renovating the dilapidated office to enhance emergency response within Okigwe and neighbouring communities.
The Fire Service official also expressed gratitude to Senator Ndubueze for taking the initiative to visit the station and seek firsthand knowledge of its operational difficulties.
He assured the delegation that officers of the Commission remain committed to protecting lives and property and would continue to discharge their responsibilities diligently whenever the necessary support and equipment are made available.
