Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Barau Jibrin, has visited the popular Singer Market in Kano State to commiserate with traders affected by a devastating fire that destroyed goods and property worth billions of Naira.
The market, located in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano, was recently gutted by an inferno, leaving thousands of traders counting heavy losses.
During the sympathy visit, Senator Barau announced a donation of N100 million to support victims and help them begin the process of rebuilding their businesses.
He was received by the Chairman of Singer Market, Alhaji Junaidu Zakari, alongside a large crowd of affected traders who gathered to welcome the federal lawmaker.
Addressing the victims, Senator Barau described the incident as a tragedy not only for the traders but for Kano State and Nigeria, noting that commerce remains the backbone of the state’s economy.
“This fire outbreak and the enormous losses recorded have affected all of us. It affects the entire people of Kano and indeed the country at large. Commerce is the mainstay of Kano, so we are deeply touched by this incident,” he said.
The Deputy Senate President, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, further pledged to facilitate the establishment of a modern fire control facility at the market to prevent future occurrences.
The market chairman, Alhaji Junaidu Zakari, revealed that Singer Market had experienced two major fire incidents in recent times, with cumulative losses exceeding N5 billion.
He thanked Senator Barau for his continued support and swift response to the traders’ plight.
“We are proud to have you in Kano. We appreciate all the support you have been giving us. You have done a lot for us. Thank you very much,” he stated.
Senator Barau was accompanied on the visit by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, the Kano State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Malam Salisu Takai, members of the Kano State House of Assembly and other aides.