The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, apex Igbo cultural organisation, has commended Nigeria Governors’ Forum for donating N200 million to victims of the recent explosion in Lagos State.
Recall that on March 15, an explosion rocked the Abule-Ado axis of FESTAC town, in which many lives were lost and houses destroyed.
The National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, Chief Uche Achi-Okpaga, said in a statement in Enugu on Tuesday that the organisation was highly touched by the kind gesture and magnanimity of the governors.
According to Achi-Okpaga, this shows their commitment to the welfare of the unfortunate victims of the explosion, irrespective of their states of origin.
He said that the action of the governors was an exemplary show of fellow-feeling and benevolence by statesmen committed to the unity and progress of the country.
Achi-Okpaga urged other Nigerians to emulate the gesture of the governors.
“Ohanaeze appreciates their pledge to offer more assistance to the victims in the future, the dwindling revenue of states notwithstanding.
“Ohanaeze also lauds Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for launching a N2 billion relief fund to give succour to the hapless victims of the explosion.
“The prompt response by Sanwo-Olu marks him out as a kind and caring leader, who feels the pains of his subjects,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze in conjunction with its Lagos Chapter, is setting-up a relief fund for victims.
According to the organisation, its President-General, Chief Nnia Nwodo and a representative from the office of the Accountant-General of Lagos State, will be part signatories to the relief fund’s account.
Achi-Okpaga called on individuals and groups to contribute handsomely to the project in order to alleviate the sufferings that the victims of the unfortunate mishap were going through.
“Ohanaeze, while sympathising with the families affected by the devastation, advises members of the public to desist from setting up residential buildings in the vicinity of pipelines to avoid future occurrence,’’ he said.(NAN)
