An Abuja based artist, Kanayo Chukwumezie, on Friday lauded Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso’s donation of N500,000 to victims of the fire that destroyed the Abuja Arts and Craft Village.
Chukwumezie, who is the President, African Arts and Cultural Heritage Association (AACHA), gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He said that Kwankwaso, representing Kano Central Senatorial District in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, made the donation during his sympathy visit to the village on Dec. 20.
NAN reports that the Arts and Crafts Village located near the Yar’Adua Centre and Sheraton Hotels in the Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory was destroyed by fire on Dec.15.
More than 20 shops were burnt with artworks and other products for Christmas sales worth over N400 million were destroyed.
The cause of the fire was still being investigated by the Abuja Electricity and Distribution Company.
Chukwumezie said: “The Abuja Arts and Crafts Village was gutted by fire on Dec.15 and the senator visited us on Dec. 20 to sympathise with us and promise to assist the victims.
“We commend him for donating N500, 000 cash to victims of the fire incident, who lost their sources of livelihood. The senator has done what is expected of the government officials.
“We say a big thank you to him for the donation and call on others to emulate his gesture. The Chairman of Abuja Metropolitan Area Council, Abdullahi Adamu (Candido), has also pledged the donation of one million naira.
“Also, the Indonesian Embassy donated 20 cartoons of noodles to be distributed to those affected by the inferno. Other members whose shops were not burnt contributed N5, 000 each as donation to the victims.’’
He called on Nigerians and the international communities to come to the aid of the victims. (NAN)
