Peter Obi during his sympathy visit to the victims of Eda Plaza inferno
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has visited traders affected by the recent fire incident at Eda Plaza in the Jabi area of Abuja, expressing sympathy and offering support to those who lost their businesses in the disaster.
Obi disclosed on Wednesday that he visited the plaza a day earlier, where more than 45 traders were said to have lost their shops in the inferno that destroyed part of the commercial complex.
During the visit, he met with some of the victims, many of whom were still clearing debris from the burnt structures while trying to recover whatever remained of their goods.
Reflecting on the visit, Obi said, “Yesterday, I visited Eda Plaza in Jabi, Abuja, where more than 45 traders lost their shops to the recent inferno that gutted part of the complex.”
He added, “I met with some of the affected traders, many of whom were still clearing the debris and trying to salvage whatever could be recovered from the ruins. I expressed my deepest sympathy to them and pledged my support, however modest, as they begin the difficult journey of rebuilding their livelihoods.”
According to Obi, the losses suffered by the traders go beyond damaged buildings and merchandise, as many of them invested years of hard work and personal sacrifice into building their businesses.
“For many of these traders, their shops represent years of hard work, savings, sacrifice and hope. What was lost is therefore far more than physical structures and merchandise; livelihoods have been disrupted, dreams have been set back, and families have been placed under additional hardship,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also reiterated his long-held view that governments have a responsibility to support citizens, especially during periods of hardship.
“My consistent position has been that government must always care for its people, particularly in moments of difficulty and vulnerability. In times like this, leadership must be measured not only by what government builds, but also by how it stands with citizens when they lose what they have painstakingly built,” Obi stated.
He offered prayers for the victims, expressing hope that they would recover from the devastating losses.
“I pray that God Almighty grants the affected traders the strength, resources and opportunity to recover from this painful loss, and that their businesses and livelihoods will be restored.”
Obi ended his message with his familiar slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
