President Bola Tinubu has approved N515 million in relief funds for 18 business owners affected by the fire outbreak at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, Cross River State.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, announced the intervention on Friday during her visit to Cross River, where she also commissioned the South-South phase of the National Community Foodbank Programme.
According to the First Lady, President Tinubu approved N25 million each for 18 affected business owners, amounting to N450 million.
An additional N50 million was presented to Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, wife of Cross River Governor Bassey Edet Otu, to support women’s groups, while N15 million was given to women who welcomed the First Lady to the state.
“Mr. President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River over this unfortunate incident that destroyed many businesses and livelihoods,” Senator Tinubu said.
She said the relief package was designed to provide immediate support to the affected entrepreneurs and help them recover from losses suffered in the August 22 fire.
The blaze reportedly destroyed property worth billions of naira and affected several businesses operating within the shopping mall.
Foodbank programme launched
During the visit, the First Lady also commissioned the South-South phase of the National Community Foodbank Programme, aimed at improving food security and tackling malnutrition among vulnerable households.
Senator Tinubu said the initiative would increase access to nutritious food for vulnerable families while complementing existing government measures addressing food insecurity.
Receiving the First Lady, Governor Bassey Edet Otu thanked President Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the relief package, describing it as timely assistance for businesses affected by the fire.
He said the intervention would help the affected entrepreneurs rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods.
Governor Otu also welcomed the extension of the Foodbank Programme to the South-South region, saying it would strengthen social protection and improve the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
He expressed satisfaction that Cross River was selected to host the regional phase, describing it as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity and supporting vulnerable citizens.
