Ibadan South-West LG Disburses Cash Relief to Oja Bode Market Fire Victims

Succour has finally come the way of traders whose shops were destroyed by fire at Oja Bode Market, as the Ibadan South-West Local Government has fulfilled its promise of financial support with the disbursement of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250,000) to each of the affected marketers.

The fire incident, which occurred in July 2026, had razed several shops and destroyed goods worth millions of naira, leaving many traders in distress and without a means of livelihood.

Fulfilling the promise made in the aftermath of the disaster, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Akande, on Thursday presented cash support to the victims at the Local Government Secretariat.

Speaking at the brief presentation ceremony, Hon. Akande said the intervention was in line with the welfarist agenda of the Oyo State Government. He expressed deep appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his thoughtfulness, compassion and timely approval for the disbursement of funds to the victims.

“On behalf of the people of Ibadan South-West Local Government and the affected traders of Oja Bode Market, I want to sincerely appreciate our amiable Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his fatherly love and for always standing with the people at the grassroots. This fund disbursement was made possible because of his thoughtfulness and commitment to the welfare of our market men and women,” Hon. Akande stated.

The Chairman noted that the N250,000 given to each marketer is not meant to fully compensate for their losses, but to serve as seed support to help them bounce back and restart their businesses.

He charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money and assured that his administration will continue to prioritize market safety, including putting measures in place to prevent future fire outbreaks.

In their separate responses, the leaders of Oja Bode Market, including the Babaloja and Iyaloja, could not hide their joy as they showered encomium on Governor Makinde and Hon. Akande.

According to one of the market leaders, “We are very grateful. When the fire happened, we thought all hope was lost. But Governor Seyi Makinde and our Chairman, Hon. Kehinde Akande, stood by us. They promised us and today they have fulfilled it. This N250,000 will go a long way for each of us.”

Another beneficiary, who spoke on behalf of the victims, said the gesture has restored their hope and confidence in government, describing Hon. Akande as a promise-keeping leader.

The event was attended by council officials, market leaders, and scores of traders.