Kwara govt grants cash support to 61 business owners affected in enforcement of road setbacks

Kwara State Government has approved financial support to business owners affected by the enforcement of road setbacks in the capital, a statement said on Friday.

According to the statement released by Ag. General Manager of Kwara State Social Investment Programmes (KWASSIP) Dr Abdulwasiu Olayinka Tejidini, the government took the altruistic step to curb the loss of jobs and the collapse of businesses in the state.

The event was attended by Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service, ESV Abdulkareem Babatunde Suleiman; Director of Physical Planning, TPL Abdulhakeem Abdulsalam; Executive Secretary of KWASSIP, Mrs Roseline Ajanaku, and Senior Special Assistant to Kwara Governor on Communications Ibraheem Abdullateef.

Dr Tejidini said that the beneficiaries of the support scheme were selected after careful assessment of their losses which determined the amount of money approved for each person.

“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in his kindheartedness approved support for the affected business owners to grant them relief and help raise their businesses after the incident,” KWASSIP chief Dr Abdulwasiu Olayinka Tejidini was quoted as saying.

“Following careful investigation and assessment, ten (10) persons were awarded the sum of N801,550; two (2) persons to receive N572,000; and forty-nine (49) others to get N400,000 each. The list comprises those whose shops were affected at Post Office, Tanke, and Ahmadu Bello Way respectively.”

On his part, Executive Secretary of Kwara State Geographic Information Service, ESV Abdulkareem Suleiman described the intervention as deeply selfless as the government was not legally liable to grant compensation following the exercise.

“The enforcement of the setback was legal. The document in custody of the people affected was a Certificate of Temporary Occupation (CTO) which can be revoked with a notice of vacation within 7 days. We had acted according to the law. Kwara State Government is not liable to offer any compensation. I believe that everyone now understands clearly. What is being done today is out of magnanimity of the Governor and it is very commendable,” ESV Suleiman said.

Speaking for the beneficiaries, Mrs Mary Ogbona expressed delight for the help, saying it was not expected.

“I am very happy for this help. We didn’t expect it. We thank Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his act of magnanimity. This money will help us settle down back to business quicker and better. May God bless him.”