Eighteen business owners affected by the recent fire incident at a Spar Mall in Calabar have received N25 million each as financial assistance from the Federal Government, bringing the total intervention to N450 million.
Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, presented the cheques to the beneficiaries on Monday at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Calabar.
Otu said the intervention was aimed at helping the affected business owners rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods after the incident.
He said although accidents could sometimes be unavoidable, the government’s response to those affected was important, adding that his administration recognised the contribution of small businesses to the state’s economy.
The governor recalled the September 1 visit of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to Cross River for the launch of the South-South Zone of the National Community Food Bank Programme, saying the visit had produced other interventions beyond the immediate purpose of the programme.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady for the intervention, which he said would help reduce the economic burden on the affected families.
Otu urged the beneficiaries to use the funds to rebuild their businesses and establish sustainable livelihoods, assuring them of continued government support.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer of AM Global, Andifonkan Samuel, thanked the Federal and state governments and other stakeholders for their intervention.
Samuel said the support would help restore hope among those whose businesses were affected by the fire and enable them return to productive economic activity.
The Manager of Spar Calabar, Gbenga Ewarawon, also thanked President Tinubu and Governor Otu for their intervention on behalf of the affected businesses.