Federal Government of Nigeria and Governors elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have brought succour to traders affected by the fire inferno at the Kano’s popular Singer Market , announcing a combined intervention of N8 billion.
Vice President Kashim Shettima who disclosed that Monday, announced a donation of N5 billion by the Federal Government during a condolence visit to Kano on behalf of President Bola Tinubu He said APC governors, added N3 billion to cushion the impact of the inferno on thousands of affected traders.
The fire had razed large sections of the Singer Market, destroying goods and property worth millions of naira and leaving many business owners stranded.
Shettima, who led a high-powered delegation to the state, said the intervention was aimed at ensuring swift recovery and restoring economic activities in the market.
He assured that the Federal Government would collaborate closely with the Kano State Government to prevent future occurrences and strengthen fire response mechanisms.
“We are here to sympathise with the government and people of Kano over this tragic incident. The Federal Government will work with the state to ensure that recovery efforts are effective and timely,” the Vice President said.
Grand Reception for Kano state Governor, Abba Yusuf who defected to the ruling party ,APC, was held the same day. The Vice President formally received Yusuf, into the APC at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
He described Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as a significant boost for the ruling party, noting that President Tinubu had assured the governor that his place in the APC was “second to none.”
“Kano remains a heartbeat of commerce and political relevance in Nigeria. Your presence strengthens our resolve to build an inclusive and prosperous nation,” Shettima stated.
He commended Kano’s contributions to Nigeria’s political development, recalling the legacies of prominent leaders such as Alhaji Aminu Kano and Maitama Sule.
In their separate speeches, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, said Yusuf’s defection would bring Kano closer to the centre, translating into more federal presence in infrastructure, healthcare and other critical sectors. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described Kano as the “powerhouse of Nigeria’s democracy,” expressing optimism that the state would witness accelerated development.
On their parts, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, said Yusuf’s return to the APC was akin to “coming home,” urging party members in Kano to unite for future electoral victories. APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, presented the party’s symbolic flag to the governor, assuring him of the party’s full backing.
Former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, said the governor’s entry into the party had strengthened the APC’s structure in Kano and would foster coordinated development efforts.
Yusuf Pledges Loyalty
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf said his decision to join the APC was guided by the need to serve Kano people better and align the state with the government at the centre.
“Kano is too important to be disconnected from the Federal Government. Politics should be about service and delivering results,” he said, pledging loyalty to President Tinubu and commitment to improving the welfare of residents.
Many traders at Singer Market expressed joy over the intervention fund, saying the financial support would help them rebuild their businesses and return to normal operations. They thanked the donors.
The N8 billion package is expected to provide immediate succour to affected traders as the state government begins assessment and distribution processes.
