Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday has lamented about the devastating effect of Sunday’s explosion at Abule Ado area of Amuwo-Odofin LGA OF Lagos, Southwest Nigeria and has launched N2 billion relief fund for victims.
The Executive Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Engr. Dr. Valentine Buraimoh was present to receive the Governor, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the site of the explosion in Ado-Soba, Abule-Ado axis.
Sanwo-Olu, who was in company of his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and members of the state executive council visited the scene of the explosion on Monday morning, said the state government would be committing N250 million to the fund immediately.
He also disclosed that he has received calls from governors and corporate organisations who are willing to support with donations for the victims of the explosion.
He therefore called on Lagosians and Nigerians and organisations to contribute to the fund.
“I have set up Abule Ado Emergency Relief Fund; it is a N2 billion relief fund and the state government will immediately put in N250 million to that fund and overnight, I have gotten three banks to open account for that fund and what that are we trying to achieve?
“This is beyond what the state government can achieve on its own. This is beyond what a government, nation or state level can undertake on its own, I am aware that some of my fellow governors have called, and have also received phone calls from the private sector, so what this fund will do is to give everybody the opportunity to be part of it and to be able to donate into it.
“Of course, the utilisation of this fund, which will also be headed by the deputy governor will also be part of the responsibility the committee will be saddled with.
Just to know we are serious and are committed to it. I have three account numbers already: I have the Polaris Bank, with the account number-4030017510 account name is Abule Ado Emergency Relief Fund,” he said.
Other account numbers are: Zenith Bank, with account number-10171845716 and GTB, with account number-0568615688.
He said further and said
“we are working with NEMA, NNPC and other agencies to make life easier to everyone affected in the tragic incident at Abule Ado, which claimed lives and caused extensive property damage. I offer my condolences to everyone affected”.
Also an investigative committee has been setup which would be headed by the deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat.
The committee has been given two weeks to do an extensive investigation into the cause of the incident and what needs to be done to ensure that this does not repeat itself again.
Members of the committee include Commissioner for Special Duty as the co-chairman; Commissioner for Education; Commissioner for Finance; Commissioner for Environment; Permanent Secretary; the Ministry of Health, Permanent Secretary; Works and Infrastructure; the Commissioner of Police or the Deputy Commissioner of Police will also be part of the committee.
Others include the Senior Special Assistant on Security; Chairman of the Local government; Representative of the CDC and CDA; Representative of St. Bethlehem Girls college; Commissioner for the Ministry of Physical Planning; Representative of the NNPC; National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), and two representatives of the host community.