Relatives of a casualty and victims of a collapsed billboard in Aba have received N20 million compensation from the Abia State government.
The collapse of the privately-owned billboard claimed the life of a tricycle operator, left many injured, and destroyed many shops at the popular Salad Market in May this year.
At the event in Umuahia, the state capital, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Obioma Nwaogbe, expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident.
He equally urged the relatives of the deceased not to tamper with the money paid to his widow, insisting that it should be used for opening a business and training the children.
He said, “The government worked out modalities for the distribution of the money in collaboration with the State Signage and Advertising Agency and the owner of the billboard.”
He appreciated the governor, Alex Otti, for approving the fund for the compensation, “just as there was a government representation at the burial of the deceased to ensure it was successful”.
Speaking, Victoria Onwubiko, the managing director and chief executive officer of the agency, said the event addressed the government’s concern for the safety of residents in the state.
Onwubiko, who stated the agency’s resolve to guard against a future occurrence of such an incident, said, “Today’s payment is not just compensation. It is a statement of accountability.
”Moving forward, we are putting improved processes in place to ensure proper standards for outdoor advertising and signage across the state,” she added.
Responding, Victor Azubuike, the chairman of the State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), appreciated the governor for the payment, describing it as unprecedented.
Similarly, the widow of the deceased Chioma Destiny expressed gratitude for the compensation, assuring that the money would be invested judiciously for the sustenance of the family.
