The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, announced the donation of N100m as compensation to traders at the burnt Akere Motor Parts and Allied Dealers Association (AMPADA) in Ajegunle, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council, maintaining that politics that divide the residents should not given room.

Sanwo-Olu made the donation at the foundation laying ceremony for the reconstruction of the market that got burnt last week Thursday, disclosing that the reconstructed market would now be a story building instead of the bungalow it was before.

The governor said the compensation for the traders is aimed at cushioning the loss suffered by traders.

“A week or less ago we promised to come back here to give immediate support to the people who were affected by the unfortunate incident. This isn’t politics, it’s just a coincidence that it is a political season.

“I’m happy to be here to lay the foundation for the new market building. Now it’s a storey building, and the small compensation that will alleviate the suffering and loss of our traders here. It’s for us to make a clear stand that we are not about the ethnic or religious division, we are a government that is people- centred and working to make things better for them, no matter what party or where they come from.

“As long as they are law abiding, keep to laws guiding the environment and respect the heritage of where they do business, they will always be accommodated.

“This will also send a clear message to people who want to divide us that we won’t let a little number disunite a large number of people, we won’t give them a space in Lagos and in our government.”

The Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LCDA Fatai Ayoola thanked the governor for keeping to his promise of helping the people, and promised that they will reciprocate his good gestures by voting for him on Saturday.

He said: “True to your word you are here today in Ajegunle to compensate the marketers for their loss and also lay the foundation for their new market. We thank you wish that your efforts will be rewarded in Saturday’s election.

“We assure you that in Ajegunle we will do all within the ambit of the law to canvass for you because you’ve done so much for us. You rebuilt the Obafon and Mbakadoso roads, have us the Maracana Stadium for our youths
We are greatful and we would forever remain greatful for your steawardship and leadership that you’ve shown to the true people of Ajegunle.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyitolu, led a team from his agency and council officials to the site for evacuation of debris and dirt for the next stage of rebuilding of the market.

Oke-Osanyitolu stated that his agency and the council chairman have been instructed by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to collaborate to not only ensure speedy completion of the market but also to provide some succour to the traders.

He added that the governor asked that his agency should work with the local council to enumerate the affected traders for appropriate compensation.

“So, we are working to put a smile on the affected victims as directed by the governor,” he stated

He further said that great efforts would be adequately put into rebuilding the market by working round the clock to complete the project on time and ameliorate the negative impact of the incident on the affected traders.

Although the Secretary to the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council, Mr Jimoh Abolaji, refused to give the actual number of affected shops, he however maintained that the council would play a critical role in the rebuilding and support for the traders.

He added that since the incident occurred, senior council officials had been going around to douse ethnic tension, assuring the traders that they can operate freely within the council.