Fire disaster: Okigwe Global Elders Leaders Forum make case for fire disaster victims

Photo : Third from left, HRH Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanweh, ( Obi GburuGburu), the Chairman Okigwe Global Elders Leaders Forum, with other distinguished personalities of the Forum and leadership of Eke Ukwu Okigwe Market in a group photograph shortly after on the spot visitation of the engulfed fire devastated area of the market.

From Everest Ezihe, Okigwe

Okigwe Global Elders Leaders Forum, (OKGELF) under the Chairmanship of HRH Eze Oliver Ohanweh, JP has made clarion call to the Federal Government, the Imo State Shared Prosperity Government, corporate bodies and good spirited individuals to as a matter of exigency assist the victims of Eke Ukwu Okigwe ancient market multi million Naira fire disaster victims.

Eze Ohanweh as the Chairman of the apex socio-cultural organization in Okigwe senatorial zone of Imo State , South East Nigeria made the compassionate but patriotic appeal over the weekend when he led a powerful delegation of the Executive members of the Forum that includes Dr. Michael Anyaeze, the Secretary General and some traditional rulers to on the spot, sympathy cum solidarity visit to the leadership of the Market Union and some of the victims, at the devastated site of the famous market.

Addressing the people, the Chairman who expressed shock over the ugly incident noted the objective of their visit is in line with the group’s motive of upholding the spirit of brotherhood and strict adherence to an Igbo adage that says onuru ube nwanne agbala oso (You have to sympathize with your own any time he or she is ill fated) and in total solidarity that in life, an injury to one is an injury to all.

Eze Ohanweh who’s also the traditional ruler of Isiama Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano LGA comforted them and equally informed them that all their brothers and sisters within the Senatorial zone are in sympathy with them and prayed that God should send people as Messiahs to alleviate their predicaments.

According to the revered traditional ruler, “it’s our prayers that every concerned citizen of Okigwe senatorial zone, Imo State and Nigeria at large should come to their aid, even those in diaspora so that the people will not cry as persons without hope and people. Honestly, this is the time to show them love and concerns.

“We are also pleading that Government agencies like NEMA should quickly come to their aid with palliatives, Imo State and the Federal Government should station Fire Service Stations within Okigwe township so as to provide fire fighting equipments within the environ, because prevention is better than cure.

“We have seen and assessed what happened, honestly, it’s really a devastating situation and the traders need serious rehabilitation help. We’re not partisan, we are not politicians, our primary objective is the betterment of Okigwe senatorial zone and her people” Ohanweh re-emphasized.

The Chairman of the apex socio-cultural organization in Okigwe senatorial zone further said that as part of their philanthropic gestures and in total demonstration of their love and concern to the victims, the group instantly made a handsome cash donation to the victims through the union leadership, and to equally enable them to clear the debris created by the fire out break.

The revered traditional ruler further enjoined the victims not to give up in life but to keep hope and confidence alive, even as he prayed for God’s divine blessings upon them, assuring them of the group’s continuous assistance and collaborative relationship.

Eze Ohanweh also reiterated that the association is not politically inclined and membership is open to every distinguished but patriotic son and daughter of the six Local Government Areas that politically constitutes Okigwe senatorial district.

Adding his voice, HRH Eze Uche-Prince Okpara, (Eze di oha Mma 2) of Ihube autonomous community in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State passionately thanked members and leadership of OKGELF for their sympathetic concerns to the traders, the union leadership and the entire market.

Eze Okpara assured of his willingness to ensure that every money genuinely and sympathetically donated to alleviate the victims of the fire disaster and rehabilitate the shops are properly utilized and accounted for.

Responding,Comrade Loveday Eboh, the President of Eke Ukwu Okigwe Market Association, on behalf of his leadership and members of the association expressed profound gratitude to the members and leadership of Okigwe Global Elders Leaders Forum for their concern over the traders plight and their philanthropic cash donation gesture.

According to Eboh, “we feel highly delighted with the kind of dignitaries that visited us under the auspices of Okigwe Global Elders Leaders Forum, OKGELF. Honestly, am overwhelmed with inspirational emotions and we feel highly privileged. It’s only God Almighty in His infinite mercy and Grace that will reward each and every one of them”.

He recalled that the ugly incident occurred in the early hours of Monday 29th June, 2026 and the traders numbering over 40 shops in Zone A lost their wares as the entire shops were razed down before the fire service men arrived.

He passionately appealed for genuine philanthropic assistance from all and sundry to enable the traders to re-establish, and as a meaningful way of cushioning the devastating effects of the ill fated fire incident while also patriotically calling on the State and Federal Government, and its agencies for quick intervention in rehabilitation and reconstruction of the shops and the victims.

The President further commended the leadership of the apex socio-cultural organization in Okigwe senatorial zone for their patriotic and compassionate labour of love and enjoined them not to relent.