By Opeyemi Adelakun
President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦450 million in relief for 18 business owners affected by the fire that destroyed parts of the Calabar Mall, popularly known as SPAR Mall.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, disclosed this on Friday in Calabar, Cross River State, while announcing the intervention for the victims of the August 22 inferno.
Under the relief package, each of the 18 affected business owners will receive ₦25 million to help cushion the financial impact of the disaster and support the recovery of their businesses.
Senator Tinubu said the intervention was approved by the President in response to the losses suffered by the victims when the fire destroyed properties and disrupted several businesses at the shopping mall.
“Mr President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River over this unfortunate incident that destroyed many businesses and livelihoods,” she said.
“This intervention is to provide immediate support and help victims recover from their losses.”
The First Lady also announced additional interventions targeted at women in the state.
She said ₦50 million had been presented to the Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, to support women’s groups, while another ₦15 million was given to women who received her during her visit to the state.
The combined interventions therefore amount to ₦515 million.
The August 22 fire at the shopping mall affected several businesses and destroyed properties reportedly worth billions of naira, leaving affected entrepreneurs facing significant financial losses.
Senator Tinubu said the Federal Government’s intervention was intended to provide immediate assistance to the affected business owners and support their efforts to recover from the disaster.
Receiving the First Lady, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Senator Tinubu for the intervention.
Otu described the relief package as a timely gesture that would bring succour to the victims as they begin rebuilding their businesses and livelihoods.
He said the financial support would provide meaningful assistance to the affected business owners during the recovery process.
Leave a Reply