The traders of the Maiduguri Central Market, also known as “Monday Market”, who suffered huge losses due to a fire outbreak in February, have received a donation of N2 billion from the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
The donation was announced by the managing director of NEDC, Mohammed Alkali, who visited Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State on Monday, along with the newly appointed board members of the commission.
Mr Alkali praised Mr Zulum for his swift and effective response to the fire incident, which destroyed most of the market stalls and goods. He said that the N2 billion was meant to assist the traders in restarting their businesses and recovering from the tragedy.
Mr Zulum expressed his gratitude to the NEDC for its generous support and assured that the funds would be distributed to the rightful beneficiaries. He said that he had set up a high-powered committee, comprising security and anti-corruption personnel, to oversee the reconstruction of the market and ensure transparency and accountability.
The governor also commended the NEDC for its various interventions in the state, especially in the areas of roads, education, renewable energy, and agriculture. He urged the commission to align its activities with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, who is leading the country’s efforts to achieve peace and development in the region.
Mr Zulum also appealed to the commission to support his administration’s reconstruction, rehabilitation, and resettlement (RRR) programme, which aims to restore normalcy and dignity to the millions of people affected by the insurgency in the North East.