Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State presented cheques of N25 million each to 18 business owners affected by the recent fire incident at SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, the state capital. The N450 million intervention was provided by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The presentation took place at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Calabar. Governor Otu expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her compassion and practical support for those affected by the incident.
The Governor described the intervention as a critical lifeline for the victims and assured them of more support from his administration. He emphasized that while accidents were sometimes unavoidable, the most important consideration was how the government responded to those affected. Governor Otu also commended President Bola Tinubu for the people-centred focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Governor highlighted the positive impact of the First Lady’s visit to Cross River on September 1, for the National Community Food Bank Programme. He noted that her visit had produced positive multiplier effects beyond the immediate purpose of the programme. The intervention, he said, would help reduce the economic hardship faced by the affected families and urged the beneficiaries to use the funds productively.
Governor Otu emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses, describing the informal sector as the engine room of the state’s economy. He encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of government-supported business advisory services, soft loans, and grants available through the ministry responsible for financing and enterprise development.
The Governor assured the beneficiaries that the doors of the ministry responsible for financing and enterprise development were always open to entrepreneurs seeking business advisory services, soft loans, and grants. He urged them to utilize these opportunities to rebuild and grow their businesses.
The SPAR Calabar branch manager, Mr. Gbenga Ewarawon, thanked the First Lady and Governor Otu for their commitment to supporting the victims and restoring hope to the affected businesses. He expressed appreciation for their compassion and practical support.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Andifokan Samuel, expressed gratitude to the First Lady, the Federal Government, the Cross River Government, and other stakeholders for the intervention. He noted that the support would help the affected businesses return to productive economic activity and rebuild their livelihoods.
Key points
- Governor Bassey Otu presents N450m support package to 18 business owners affected by SPAR fire incident.
- The support package was provided by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
- The intervention aims to help reduce economic hardship and support small and medium-sized businesses.
