Responding to the fire accident at Owode Market in Offa, Kwara state over the weekend, the Speaker of the Kwara State Assembly and Member-Elect of House of Representatives, Barr. Razak Atunwa has sympathized with the traders and the people of Offa community as a whole.

In a statement made available to newsmen by his spokesman, Olawale Rotimi, the lawmaker noted that Owode market has been a major business platform not only in Offa but the whole of Kwara state which has contributed to the state's economy immensely through consistent trading.

While expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah that no life was lost during the accident, Barr. Razak Atunwa urged the entire Kwara community to stand with Offa during this period. "The fact that Owode market has served as a major economic platform for Kwarans cannot be overlooked, it's unfortunate that this market which has provided opportunities for various business transactions daily for our people gut fire. We thank Almighty Allah that no life was lost, however properties were lost. This period, all Kwarans need to stand with Offa in harmony and pray for quick restoration of the loss the fire accident might have brought on the traders" he said.

Atunwa who also sympathized with the Oloofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, reinstated Kwara Assembly's commitment towards creating a safe business environment for buyers and sellers across the state. In line with this, recently, the Kwara State House of Assembly halted the erection of shops and other illegal structures on parking slots at the Adewole market. This decision was necessary to ensure buyers and sellers transact with comfort in the market.

"The commitment of the Kwara Assembly to economic growth is unwavering, and markets serve as a major terrain for economic activities and also unites people. Once again I sympathize with Offa people, as a house, we shall intensify effort in ensuring markets are made safe and comfortable for Kwarans to transact. This will also hinder future accident of this manner" he added.