*Saraki sends delegation to monarch

Offa community in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State has raised N13 million to rebuild its burnt Owode Market, which was razed last week.

Offa monarch, Oba Mufutau Gbadamo, spoke on the raised fund when he hosted a delegation from Senator Bukola Saraki, led by the Director-General of his ABS Constituency Office, Musa Ayinla Yeketi.

The monarch expressed appreciation to Saraki for sending the high-powered team.

He said: "Our community is deeply touched and we believe that all of us must stand up in our usual communal collaboration to come to the aid of the victims because there is no compound that does not have a person among them.

"Besides it's painful that people who fend for themselves now sit at home doing nothing."

The monarch added: "I had to quickly rush home from Umrah (lesser Hajj) to personally oversee the repair works and bring succour to the people.

"We are aware that due to the economic downturn, the government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility. Therefore, we call on all and sundry to assist us. In fact, I have also decided not to go on Umrah during Ramadan because I cannot see myself out of the community when my people are in pains."

Oba Gbadamosi assured that Offa residents were praying for Saraki to emerge the next Senate President "because we are absolutely convinced that his choice will benefit the state and other part of Nigeria".

Yeketi's team visited the victims and inspected the damage to the market.

The team leader said Saraki was deeply touched because he considers himself a son of the town because of the love the people have always shown to him.