The Federal Government has approved N5 billion as an intervention fund for traders affected by the fire that destroyed large sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano, while state governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) donated an additional N3 billion through the Progressive Governors’ Forum, bringing total relief to N8 billion for hundreds of affected traders.
The announcement was made on Monday by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, who led a delegation to the market to condole with traders on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. He prayed for protection against future fire disasters and assured that the government would work closely with the state to ensure swift recovery and support for all victims.
During the visit, Senator Shettima formally welcomed Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his supporters into the APC, praising the governor’s leadership and describing his entry as a significant boost to the party’s efforts to build an inclusive and prosperous nation. Speaking at the reception at Sani Abacha Stadium, the Vice President noted that Kano has been a historic centre of commerce, scholarship, and political influence, and highlighted the contributions of prominent figures like the late Alhaji Maitama Sule and Alhaji Aminu Kano.
Senator Shettima described Governor Yusuf as “another visionary son of Kano,” emphasizing his principles, discipline, and commitment to service. The Vice President reiterated that the federal government would collaborate with the state to support traders affected by the Singer Market fire and ensure recovery efforts are effective.
Other political leaders, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, lauded the governor’s defection to the APC, describing it as strategic and beneficial for Kano State. The leaders pledged continued support to ensure the state benefits from federal government programmes and infrastructural development.
Governor Yusuf, in his remarks, explained that joining the APC would enable him to better serve the people of Kano, citing cohesion and alignment with the federal government as key reasons for leaving the NNPP. He expressed loyalty to President Tinubu and reiterated that his decisions as governor are guided by the desire to improve the welfare of his constituents.
