Ambode Compensates Idimu, Iyana-Ipaja Fire Victims

BARELY 30 days after their properties worth millions of naira were gutted when tankers laden with petroleum exploded at Iyana-Ipaja and Idimu area of Lagos respectively, respite came the way of 243 victims during the week as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State donated N100,000 each to them.

Specifically, about 369 Idimu victims had clamoured for relief from the state government to help them continue with their normal lives. In response, the Lagos State government resolved to give N100, 000 to at least 167 adults victims in Idimu and the same amount to 76 victims in Iyana-Ipaja.

Presenting the cheque to the victims at the Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Emergency Management in Igando, Lagos, Ambode, represented by his Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, said the gesture was in fulfillment of the promises he made when the incidents occurred.

Ambode explained that his administration which takes welfare of the citizens seriously, deemed it fit to empower the victims to enable them return to their normal lives. He disclosed that a committee set up is investigating the matter already and pledged to act on their reports when released.

“Though the amount is not equivalent to their respective losses, the gesture is a palliative measure to cushion the losses,” Ambode said.

The Chairman of Egbe-Idimu CDA, Kunle Sanyaolu (Olowoopejo) who was charged to distribute the money to all the victims, promised to distribute the money according to the names accredited earlier by government.

Sanyaolu however explained that the money would be given to 167 adults in his local council while 76 will be given the same amount at Agbado-Oke-Odo Local Council.

According to the council boss, part of the requirements to receive the cheque is driving license, international passport, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) card, voter’s card, or National Identity card.

“Meanwhile, provision has been made for those who have no means of identification because of the fire. Government will do an emergency LASRA registration for all the accredited victims that lost their means of identification and credentials to the inferno,” Sanyaolu said.

One of the victims whose property and credentials were razed, Mr. Olusegun Oke-owo Abraham, confirmed that they were given three square meals all through the 30 days of their camping. Oke-owo, who applauded the gesture of the state government, described it as responsive government.

He also commended the local council chairman for his swift action during and after the inferno. “Sanyaolu has been with us all through the 30 days of camping. He gave us support and he was always coming around”.

The Camp Commandant, Saibu Akeem also affirmed that the government has handed over the cheques to Sanyaolu to share because he is closer to the people.

Asked why the figure of the beneficiaries does not conform with the number of those camped at Igando, Akeem explained that 167 adults were given while the remaining 202 represent their children.

Mr. Saheed Raimon also confirmed that a sum of N100,000 each was given to his tenants but he is looking forward to the compensation for the landlords whose houses were razed by the inferno.

Other respondents who spoke with The Guardian commended the gesture of Lagos State government. “Though the money is small compared to the loss, we appreciate this gesture because it has never happened before,” one of them said.