By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR
CALABAR — Eighteen business owners who lost their livelihoods in the recent SPAR fire disaster in Calabar, Cross River State, have each received a ₦25 million relief cheque following an intervention by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The cheques were presented on Monday by Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Calabar.
Otu said the intervention followed the First Lady’s visit to Cross River State on September 1, 2026, for the launch of the South-South zone of the National Community Food Bank Programme.
He described the financial assistance as support for the affected business owners to rebuild their enterprises and restore their livelihoods.
Otu said his administration would continue to support small and medium-sized businesses because of their contribution to the state’s economy and employment.
“I know that accidents happen, and there is sometimes little that anybody can do about them. But the important thing is how we respond to such unfortunate situations,” he said.
“This government believes principally in supporting small businesses, recognising their importance to the economy and the livelihoods of our people. That is why we are prepared to provide support in every way possible.”
The governor also commended the Federal Government’s intervention, saying the assistance would help reduce the economic burden on the affected families.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the funds productively as they work to rebuild their businesses.
“It is important to mention at this point that the financial lifeline provided by Mr. President should be translated into productive lives and sustainable livelihoods,” Otu said.
He also pledged continued support for the affected business owners and urged entrepreneurs in the state to take advantage of soft loans, grants and advisory services provided through the state’s finance and enterprise ministry.
The governor described the President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as people-centred, saying its interventions were aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
Responding, the SPAR Calabar Branch Manager, Mr Gbenga Ewarawon, thanked the President and governor for their intervention and commitment to the welfare of those affected by the fire.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Andifonkan Samuel expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the state government and other stakeholders for the assistance.
Samuel said the intervention would support efforts to restore the businesses and return the beneficiaries to productive economic activity.
The beneficiaries also commended the Federal Government for the assistance.
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