Experts to Proffer Solutions on Incessant Market Fires in Nigeria
- The Grow Nigeria Conversation founded by Dr Abubakar Saraki is the latest ideas-sharing platform in town
- The platform gives an opportunity to experts to discuss possible people-centric solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting Nigeria
- A conversation on the incessant fire incidents in the country is already in the offing
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The Grow Nigeria Conversation (GNC) says it is bringing together experts to address the disturbing spate of market fires, its tolls on the ordinary people, and the deepening poverty level in Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement sent to Legit.ng on Tuesday, May 25 by organisers of the conversation series.
Experts expected are the event include Engr (Dr) Joseph Garba Anebi, Immediate Past Controller General, Federal Fire Service; Debbie Windele, a fire safety expert; and Dr Taibat Lawanson, urban planning, and development specialist in the University of Lagos.
Source: Twitter
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Others are; Dr Usman Ado Kibon; director, Centre for Disaster Risk Management, ABU, Zaria, Ebose Austin Osegha, CEO/MD Anchor General Insurance Company, and youth participants.
The statement signed by the duo of Lanre Babalola, Ph.D.; The African Politeia Initiative and Ariyo-Dare Atoye; Adopt A Goal For Development Initiative said the conversation will seek to answer questions such as:
“Given the significant contribution of services (trading) to GDP and the central role markets play, what can be done to forestall fires and enhance responses to fire incidents? Do we need to revisit the planning and building of markets?
“In view of our infrastructure and service limitations, should we not plan, design, and build markets to reflect these realities? Should fire-fighting measures and insurance policies be mandatory in markets?
“Given that development, operation and maintenance are the preserve of LGAs and SGs, whereas regulation and emergency resources are reposed in SGs and FG, what measures can be put in place to enhance coordination and promote safety?
“We hope this conversation will provide us with answers to some of these fundamental questions and more, but more importantly, we expect the GNC series becomes fertile ground for the germination of ideas and solutions that can end not only market fires but other menaces and challenges we contend with as a nation.”
The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 27.
Meanwhile, civil society organisation, Yiaga Africa, has expressed worry about the recent 'coordinated and premeditated' attacks on the facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The organisation, in a statement sent to Legit.ng on Saturday, May 22, noted that the attacks are dangerous signs for Nigeria's fragile democracy, warning it will not just affect INEC's preparation for upcoming elections but also diminish citizens' confidence in the electoral process.
In the year 2021 alone, at least four offices belonging to the nation's electoral body have been attacked and set ablaze, Legit.ng can confirm.
A breakdown of the fire incidents showed that the most affected states include Akwa Ibom (four), Abia (three) Anambra (two), and Imo (two).
Source: Legit.ng
