…… Association hails developmental stride
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has approved the release of N5 Million Naira support to victims of fire incident at Blacksmith (Makera) shops in Gombe Main Market.
Presenting the intervention and support fund to leaders and members of the Blacksmith Association at the Government House on Thursday, the Secretary to Government of the State, Professor Ibrahim Njodi said government’s gesture is aimed to ameliorate their losses and not compensation.
While empathising with the affected persons, the governor also attributed seeming delay in government’s intervention to processes and procedures which he noted began with the assessment by the State Emergency Management Agency SEMA to identify level of damages and individuals affected.
He further appreciated them for being patient assuring that the current as a compassionate, “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,” he said.
The governor enjoined the association to use the government support to rebuild and improve on their businesses.
On his part, Executive Secretary SEMA, Abdullahi Haruna said the approval and release of support fund followed the agency’s prudent assessment to ensure genuinely affected persons are recommended.
Reacting over government’s intervention to members of the Blacksmith Association, the Chairman Chindo Baba, appreciated the current administration for identifying with their needs, “Beside coming to our aid now with N5m. 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.
He said his members were not in anyway doubtful while waiting for the government’s intervention because they have every reason to believe Governor Yahaya to fulfill promises made to the people.
JD
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SGS’ office
