The Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, has demonstrated what many residents described as genuine leadership and compassion by donating ₦25 million to traders affected by the recent incident at Bode Market, Ibadan.
The APC standard bearer made the announcement during a sympathy visit to the market, where he personally commiserated with victims and traders who suffered losses in the unfortunate incident.
The governorship candidate was received by traders at the market led by the Babaloja, Mr Salau Oloya, and the Iyaloja, Mrs Sikira Alaja.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Alli assured the affected traders that the APC would always identify with the pains and aspirations of the people, especially during periods of hardship and distress.
The donation, which immediately sparked reactions across political circles in the state, was widely viewed as a bold intervention capable of easing the burden on victims struggling to rebuild their businesses and livelihoods.
Political observers noted that Alli’s ₦25 million intervention sharply contrasted with the ₦2.5 million reportedly donated by the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi.
Many traders and residents described the difference as a clear reflection of capacity, preparedness and seriousness expected from leaders seeking to govern a complex state like Oyo.
Senator Alli stressed that leadership must go beyond rhetoric and political campaigns, insisting that people-oriented governance requires prompt response, empathy and tangible support for citizens in moments of crisis.
He said that the APC remained committed to restoring hope to the people of Oyo State through responsible leadership, responsive governance and strategic interventions aimed at improving livelihoods.
In another major show of solidarity, the Oyo APC State Women Leader, Dr. Adekemi Opatunde, donated ₦5 million and 15,000 nose masks to further support affected traders and enhance safety measures within the market environment.
Her intervention was applauded by traders, especially women, who described the gesture as timely, thoughtful and deeply encouraging at a difficult moment for many families.
