Peter Obi visits Eda Plaza fire victims, pledges support for affected traders

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has visited traders affected by the recent fire incident at Eda Plaza in Jabi, Abuja, where more than 45 traders reportedly lost their shops and goods worth millions of naira.

Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, said he met with some of the affected traders and pledged financial support to assist them as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their businesses and livelihoods.

In a statement following the visit, Obi expressed sympathy with the traders, many of whom he said were still clearing debris and attempting to salvage whatever remained of their goods after the inferno.

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“Yesterday, I visited Eda Plaza in Jabi, Abuja, where more than 45 traders lost their shops to the recent inferno that gutted part of the complex,” Obi said.

“I met with some of the affected traders, many of whom were still clearing the debris and trying to salvage whatever could be recovered from the ruins. I expressed my deepest sympathy to them and pledged my support, however modest, as they begin the difficult journey of rebuilding their livelihoods.”

The NDC presidential candidate said the losses suffered by the traders went beyond the destruction of shops and merchandise, noting that many of the businesses represented years of hard work, savings, sacrifice and hope.

“For many of these traders, their shops represent years of hard work, savings, sacrifice and hope. 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.

Obi reiterated his long-standing position that governments must demonstrate concern for citizens, particularly during periods of hardship and vulnerability.

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

“In times like this, leadership must be measured not only by what government builds, but also by how it stands with citizens when they lose what they have painstakingly built.”

He prayed for the affected traders to recover from the incident and rebuild their businesses.

“I pray that God Almighty grants the affected traders the strength, resources and opportunity to recover from this painful loss, and that their businesses and livelihoods will be restored,” Obi said.