By Frank Ulom
The victims of the fire incident at the Calabar Mall, also referred to as SPAR Mall, are to receive ₦25 million each from the Federal Government.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, disclosed this on Friday, saying President Bola Tinubu had approved ₦25 million for each of the 18 business owners affected by the inferno, amounting to ₦450 million.
According to her, an additional ₦50 million was presented to the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, to support women’s groups, while ₦15 million was given to women who welcomed her to the state, taking the total to ₦515 million.
“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,” Senator Tinubu said.
Daily Lamp reports that the intervention followed the August 22 fire outbreak at the shopping mall, which affected several businesses and destroyed properties worth billions of naira, leaving business owners with substantial losses.
Senator Tinubu said the Federal Government’s intervention was aimed at providing immediate support to affected entrepreneurs and helping them recover from the losses suffered in the incident.
Receiving the First Lady, Governor Bassey Otu expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the intervention, describing it as a timely gesture that would bring succour to victims of the fire disaster.
Governor Otu said the relief package would provide meaningful assistance to the affected business owners as they commence the process of rebuilding their businesses and livelihoods.
