Dr Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly and founder, Ikechukwu Ezeugwu Foundation, Friday, donated the sum of N2m to Ogige Market traders whose shops were recently demolished by the government of Enugu State.
Our correspondent reports that the demolition began on Sunday, and still ongoing. About two thousand shops were affected, the President of Ogige Market Traders’ Association, Dr Ngọzi Ozioko, told our reporter.
Dr Ezeugwu, who made the donation at the market, said it was the seed fund to begin crowd funding to assist the traders who were affected.
He said, “The affected traders are in a state of despondency. I have been following up with a keen interest in the outpouring of emotions and concerns on WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms. In order to demonstrate our love for the affected traders in practical, measurable, and verifiable terms, I am appealing for financial assistance on their behalf in order to assuage their situations.”
He said the effort would help the victims to stabilise emotionally even before whatever money “we are able to raise is given to them and before they are compensated by the government”.
He said he was aware that the leadership of the market was working with the government authorities to ensure a seamless verification of affected shop owners with a view to doing the needful within the shortest possible time.
He appealed to public spirited individuals, churches, and agencies to support the initiative as their brothers’ keepers.
The highlights of the event included the release of a dedicated bank account number where donations could be channelled to assist the victims.
The traders’ leader, Mrs Ngọzi Ozioko, thanked Dr Ezeugwu for coming to their aid, and called for more support.
She said, “Many traders are traumatized because of the development. We are hopeful that the state government would soon assist us to alleviate the pains. We therefore seek support from corporate bodies, individuals and agencies. We thank Dr Ezeugwu for kick-starting this concept.”
The traders in the market were thrown into jubilation following Dr Ezeugwu’s donation.