On Monday, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, presented cheques worth N25 million each to 18 business owners affected by the recent SPAR fire incident at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Calabar. The governor described the intervention as a critical lifeline to help the victims rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods. This move is part of his administration's commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses across the state.
Governor Otu emphasized that his administration places strong emphasis on supporting small businesses due to their significant contribution to the economy and the livelihoods of residents. He noted that accidents were sometimes unavoidable, but stressed that the most important consideration was how government responded to people affected by unfortunate circumstances. The governor made this statement while reaffirming his administration's commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses.
The governor recalled the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Cross River State on September 1, 2026, for the launch of the South-South Zone of the National Community Food Bank Programme. He noted that the visit produced positive multiplier effects beyond the immediate purpose of the programme. Governor Otu expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her practical disposition and empathy, describing the intervention for the fire victims as a demonstration of compassionate leadership.
Governor Otu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the people-centred focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the intervention would help alleviate the economic hardship faced by the affected families. He described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a programme that gives hope to the hopeless, succour to the suffering, and protection to the oppressed and vulnerable in society. The governor urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds productively, stressing that the financial assistance should translate into sustainable livelihoods and the rebuilding of their businesses.
The governor further assured the beneficiaries that they would continue to receive encouragement and support as they work towards stabilizing and rebuilding their businesses. He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the intervention, noting that it would go a long way in reducing the anguish and economic burden on the affected families. Governor Otu also encouraged entrepreneurs in the state to take advantage of government-supported business advisory services, soft loans and grants available through the ministry responsible for financing and enterprise development.
On his part, the Spar, Calabar branch Manager, Mr. Gbenga Ewarawon, thanked the President and Governor for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people and for giving hope to the affected businesses. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer of AM Global, Andifonkan Samuel, expressed appreciation to the Governor, the Federal Government and other stakeholders for their intervention and support. The representative noted that the presence of government officials and other stakeholders at the presentation underscored the importance attached to restoring hope to those affected by the incident.
The beneficiaries also commended President Tinubu for his intervention, describing the support as an effort aimed at restoring hope and helping affected citizens return to productive economic activity. With this gesture, the governor's administration has demonstrated its commitment to supporting small businesses and alleviating the economic hardship faced by the affected families. The presentation of cheques to the victims is a testament to the government's efforts to provide succour to those in need.
Key points
- - Governor Otu presents N25m each to 18 victims of Calabar Mall fire incident - The intervention aims to help the victims rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods - The governor's administration is committed to supporting small and medium-sized businesses across the state
