The Anambra State Government has commiserated with former Anambra State governor, Mr Peter Obi and his family over the fire incident which destroyed the multibillion Next International shopping mall in Abuja, which is owned by the family.
The commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba in a press release about the fire incident which happened on December 26, said the business concern was a testimony of industry of the former governor, and the spirit of Igbo people.
He said: “It is regrettable that this huge complex, the biggest shopping mall in the Federal Capital Territory, should go up in flames on a day the whole world was still rejoicing with Christendom over the birth of Jesus Christ some 2,000 years ago.
“It is a tremendous loss to not just the Obi family or the people of Anambra State who are famous the world over for their entrepreneurial skills or the Federal Capital Territory where the mall is located but the whole country”.
The government stated that Next International, whether in Abuja or Lagos or anywhere else, is a testimony of how Anambra people start small enterprises and in no time grow them into multibillion naira businesses.
Expressing confidence that the mall would be rebuilt earlier than some people may expect, Adinuba thanked the fire services which responded promptly to extinguish the fire as well as security agencies which maintained order at the site.
He also commended various individuals who rushed to the scene to remove vital goods in the mall and kept them in safe places.
“These individuals could have made away with the goods, but they chose to play their brother’s keeper at a critical moment.
“It shows that despite the difficult times which the nation has been passing through of late, an overwhelming majority of everyday Nigerians are committed to the values of integrity and solidarity.”
