Photos: Obi Visits Abuja Fire Victims

ABUJA — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Mr Peter Obi, has visited traders affected by the recent fire at Eda Plaza, Jabi, Abuja, expressing sympathy and pledging support towards the recovery of their livelihoods.

Obi made this known in a statement following his visit to the building materials market, where a fire destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of naira in the early hours of Sunday.

According to him, more than 45 traders lost their shops in the inferno, while some of the affected traders were still clearing debris and salvaging whatever could be recovered from the ruins when he visited.

“I expressed my deepest sympathy to them and pledged my support, however modest, as they begin the difficult journey of rebuilding their livelihoods,” he said.

Obi said the losses went beyond physical structures and merchandise, noting that the affected shops represented years of hard work, savings, sacrifice and hope for many of the traders.

“What was lost is therefore far more than physical structures and merchandise; livelihoods have been disrupted, dreams have been set back, and families have been placed under additional hardship,” he said.

The former Anambra governor reiterated his position that government must remain responsive to citizens, particularly during periods of difficulty and vulnerability.

“My consistent position has been that government must always care for its people, particularly in moments of difficulty and vulnerability,” Obi said.

He added that leadership should be measured not only by what government builds, but also by how it supports citizens when they lose what they have painstakingly built.

The fire, which occurred at Eda Plaza opposite Chida Hotel in Jabi, destroyed several businesses dealing in building materials.

The Federal Fire Service, Federal Capital Territory Fire Service and Julius Berger Fire Service responded to the incident and brought the blaze under control at about 10:14 a.m.

No life was lost in the incident, while the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department urged owners and managers of markets and other commercial facilities to strengthen fire-prevention measures.

Obi prayed that God would grant the affected traders the strength and resources to recover from the loss and restore their businesses and livelihoods.

“A New Nigeria is POssible,” he said.