By John Attah
President Bola Tinubu has approved N450 million in relief for 18 business owners affected by the August 22 fire that destroyed parts of the Calabar Mall, popularly known as SPAR Mall.
Under the intervention, each of the 18 affected business owners will receive N25 million to help cushion the impact of the fire and support the recovery of their businesses.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, disclosed this on Friday in Calabar while announcing the Federal Government’s intervention.
She said the President approved the package as part of efforts to provide immediate support to victims who suffered losses in the fire.
“Mr President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River over this unfortunate incident that destroyed many businesses and livelihoods.
“This intervention is to provide immediate support and help victims recover from their losses,” she said.
The First Lady also announced an additional N50 million for women’s groups through the Wife of the Cross-River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, while N15 million was given to women who received her during her visit to the state.
The total intervention announced was therefore N515 million.
The August 22 fire outbreak at the shopping mall affected several businesses and destroyed property, leaving business owners with significant losses.
Senator Tinubu said the Federal Government’s intervention was intended to provide immediate relief to affected entrepreneurs and assist them in rebuilding their businesses and livelihoods.
Receiving the First Lady, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, thanked President Tinubu and Senator Tinubu for the intervention, describing it as a timely response to the plight of the affected business owners.
“This intervention will go a long way in providing succour to the victims as they begin the process of rebuilding their businesses and livelihoods,” the governor said.
The relief package is expected to support the affected business owners as they recover from the losses arising from the fire disaster.
