Nigerian community leaders in the UK pay a solidarity visit to the victims of Grenfell Tower fire

COMMUNITY leaders in the UK led by the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk) paid a visit to the Grenfell Tower block in west London to empathise with the victims of the recent fire.

On June 14, a ghastly fire engulfed Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey, high tower block of public housing flats in North Kensington, west London. According to the Metropolitan Police about 74 people are missing and presumed dead, while a further five dead persons have been formally identified, bringing the presumed total number of deaths to 79.

Following the tragedy, there has been an outpouring of public sympathy, with donations of all sorts pouring into the area. Even the government has been forced to offer each of the surviving residents £5,500 each, involving an immediate cash payment of £500 and £5,000 paid into their bank accounts and has promised to re-house them.

To show its empathy with the victims, the Nigerian community led by the Canuk chairman Dr Boma Douglas visited the scene today. Other Canuk officials on the delegation included the first chairman Ronke Udofia, the secretary Jumoke Ariyo and the legal adviser Juliet Benson.

Also on the entourage was Seyi Obadare, the president of the National Association of Nigerian Communities in the UK, its welfare director John Innih and Sunny Okalor of the Ika Union UK. Dayo Afolabi and Dapo Araromi, the founders of the charity Just a Little Help were also present, as was Yomi Koiki of 9jadiaspora.

Dr Douglas said: " “We are all deeply saddened by what has happened and the whole Nigerian community within the United Kingdom have come together for a common cause. We pray that God may comfort the families of those who have been affected."

Mr Obadare added: " We are here to support the victims of the fire and to assure our community that we are working together on this cause. We are yet to receive confirmed names of the Nigerians that were involved but we will be supporting any family that is affected”

Mr Afolabi said: "We sympathise with those who lost their lives and pray that God gives their families the fortitude to bear the loss. We are here to show our solidarity with the victims, so if there is any donation anyone can contribute it will be highly appreciated."

According to Mrs Udofia, the location was a cocktail of shock and grief and it was important that the Nigerian community visited. Ms Ariyo added that Canuk and the other associations has set up a fundraising site at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/justalittlehelp and would appreciate whatever members of the community can contribute.

According to Ms Ariyo, the account that has been set up on behalf of the entire Nigerian community in the UK to raise funds towards the relief efforts to support all the victims of the fire whether Nigerian or not. She added that the public is assured that all monies raised go directly to the central relief effort for the victims.