Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has approved the release of N5m support to victims of fire incident at Blacksmith (Makera) shops in Gombe Main Market.
Fire engulfed the shops on December 25, 2023, leading to the destruction of equipment and goods worth millions of naira.
Presenting the intervention and support fund to leaders and members of the Blacksmith Association at the Government House on Thursday, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Ibrahim Njodi, said the government’s gesture was aimed at ameliorating their losses and not compensation.
While sympathising with the affected persons, the governor also attributed the seeming delay in the government’s intervention to processes and procedures which he noted began with the assessment by the State Emergency Management Agency to identify the level of damage and individuals affected.
He further appreciated them for being patient, assuring them that the current administration is compassionate, saying, “It has always made the welfare and development of the people a priority and will continue to support entrepreneurs who are contributing to the state’s economy.”
The governor enjoined the association to use government support to rebuild and improve their businesses.
On his part, the Executive Secretary SEMA, Abdullahi Haruna, said the approval and release of support funds followed the agency’s assessment to ensure genuinely affected persons are recommended.
Reacting to the government’s intervention to members of the Blacksmith Association, Chairman Chindo Baba, appreciated the current administration for identifying with their needs.
“We want to use this opportunity to appreciate the government for tackling the gully erosion that has been a major threat to our businesses and provision of an electric transformer to the area,” Baba added.