The Aliko Dangote Foundation’s donation was in response to the appeal by the Kano state government for contributions to help the fire victims restore their businesses.
No fewer than seven fire disasters have occurred in five major markets across the state within the past few months with no fewer than 1,400 shops and goods estimated at N28 billion gutted by the inferno.
The state government had set up a judicial commission of enquiry and an appeal committee headed by Alhaji Dangote and Usman Tofa, both indigenes of Kano to help raise funds to help the fire victims.
Presenting the N500m cheque on Monday afternoon in Kano, the CEO of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou explained that Africa’s richest man was deeply touched by the plight of the affected traders and that is why he has ensured that the money is available.
She stated that Dangote Foundation has been identifying with various projects in the state and that the donation is just one of the many interventions of the Foundation in Kano state.
The State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperative and Tourism, Hammed Rabiu said the state would be eternally grateful for the many helps he has rendered to the state in times of need.
He said that the state government had also donated N500 million and that a judicial commission would probe the fire incidents and make recommendations and had submitted its report which has been guiding the state in taking certain decisions to forestall future occurrence.
Ganduje stated that the government had commenced structural designs and road projects at Kantin Kwari market.
Lock-up shops have been built for the traders as opposed to the former wooden stalls which are very combustible in the event of fire outbreak.
The Governor assured that every trader that suffered loss would be compensated as the Commission had already accessed the extent of damage and the actual loss suffered by each trader.
More information at www.dangote.com
