News Central TV, driven by its commitment to amplify impactful stories, initiated dialogue with critical stakeholders and those affected by the Dosunmu market fire that ravaged 14 buildings on April 9.
The town hall meeting commenced at the site of the fire incident on Friday, April 19 at 11am, and was anchored by News Central’s Benard Akede.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, restated the government’s dedication to providing maximum support to those affected by the fire.
Babatunde revealed that the government promptly convened a stakeholder meeting at the site following the incident, where crucial issues regarding fire prevention were deliberated upon.
He expressed concern over the negligence of individuals whose actions often lead to such destructive fires, causing distress and loss of property and lives.
“It is wrong to put a generator on top of a building. It is wrong to fuel a generator while it is still running.
“We have discussed that controlling fire outbreaks now goes beyond fire extinguishers. We will appoint fire marshals who will report people who engage in risky activities that could cause a fire outbreak, such as carrying fuel in sensitive areas.
Babatunde also confirmed the establishment of a committee by the government to address pertinent issues arising from the Dosunmu market fire, including compensation for the affected parties.
“The Governor has set up a committee to address rising issues on the Dosunmu fire incident. It is called the Dosunmu Committee. We have been silent, but we are working.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu is a man of his words, and will compensate victims of the fire,” he affirmed.
Responding to inquiries regarding the commencement of compensation for victims, Bola Olumegbon, Special Adviser, Central Business District, stressed that the government was committed to aiding fire victims in their recovery efforts.
She urged the affected parties to exercise patience, as there will be a rigorous verification process before commencement of compensation.
“Tomorrow, we will commence documentation of each building, shop, and stall, along with details of their respective floors,” she said.
Olumegbon also clarified that the closure of the market was necessary as the government is currently conducting vital tests and documentation at the site.
She also mentioned that some experts had been deployed to conduct integrity tests on the buildings, and those that fail to meet standards will be demolished.
“The market remains closed indefinitely. Our experts are currently on-site conducting integrity tests. Any building that fails the integrity test will go down,” she said.
Among the attendees at the town hall meeting were Funso Doherty who is ADC 2023 Lagos State Gubernatorial Candidate; Fouad Oki, APC Chieftain, and a host of others.
News Central TV Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Kayode Akintemi, reaffirmed the station’s commitment to holding the government accountable and inciting action.
During the event, News Central also highlighted the voices of individuals grappling with the aftermath of the inferno.
Some protesting occupants of the market informed News Central that the demolition of the market started without prior notice.
The protest leader claimed they possessed a certificate of occupancy valid for 20 years, while lamenting the demolition by the Lagos government.
He said the market was built during Bola Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos state, who presently serves as Nigeria’s president.
“We are appealing to the Governor to allow us to stay here for the allocated number of years before the market can be demolished. We were issued the certificate of occupancy in 2007,” he implored.
