The Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), has sympathised with the victims of the fire incident at Dosumu Market on Lagos Island last week.

A Tuesday statement notes that Kazeem made the remark on Sunday when he and members of the union visited the site of the fire incident to have a first-hand observation of the extent of damage.

Kazeem, a former Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, commended the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in addressing the aftermath of the fire by ordering the clearing of shanties and unauthorised structures in the area.

The inferno at the market last Tuesday destroyed no fewer than 14 buildings, among which four buildings collapsed, according to the Lagos Territorial Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Authority, Ibrahim Farinloye.

Sanwo-Olu, who had described the disaster as “preventable,” blamed it on carelessness. He further ordered the closure of the market until “we can ensure the safety of all structures and compliance with regulations.”

The IDU chairman said the aftermath of the fire had laid bare the urgent need for a comprehensive reset in the Lagos Island Central Business District.

Emphasising the urgent need for a comprehensive reset of the Lagos Island Central Business District, Kazeem said the union was advocating improved fire safety measures, better infrastructure, and stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent future disasters.

He said, “As we reflect on the devastating impact of the fire at Dosumu Market, let us remember the resilience and strength of the community. Let us stand in solidarity with those affected and support efforts to rebuild and reset the CBD. Together, we can create a safer, more vibrant, and prosperous future for all.

“As Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, I affirm our unwavering commitment to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in the restoration and revitalisation of our community. Our collective goal is to transform Lagos Island into a livable, thriving hub that we can all take pride in. By working together, we can rebuild, rejuvenate, and ensure a brighter future for future generations.”