By Daniel Bebia
Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has presented cheques of ₦25 million each to 18 business owners affected by the recent fire incident at SPAR Calabar, describing the intervention as a critical lifeline to help them rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods.
Otu made the presentation on Monday at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Calabar, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses across the state.
The Governor acknowledged that accidents could sometimes be unavoidable, but said the critical consideration was how government responded to people affected by unfortunate circumstances.
“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,” Otu said.
He said his administration placed strong emphasis on supporting small businesses because of their contribution to the state’s economy and the livelihoods of residents.
“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,” he stated.
Otu recalled the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Cross River State on September 1, 2026, for the launch of the South-South Zone of the National Community Food Bank Programme, saying the visit had produced positive multiplier effects beyond the immediate purpose of the programme.
He expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her practical disposition and empathy, describing the intervention for the fire victims as a demonstration of compassionate leadership.
The Governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the people-centred focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the intervention would help alleviate the economic hardship faced by the affected families.
“Besides, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is people-centred. The programme gives hope to the hopeless, succour to the suffering, and protection to the oppressed and vulnerable in society,” Otu said.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the funds productively, stressing that the financial assistance should translate into sustainable livelihoods and the rebuilding of 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, in order to justify his love, sacrifice and goodwill,” he said.
Otu assured the beneficiaries that his administration would continue to encourage and support them as they work towards stabilising and rebuilding their businesses.
He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the intervention, noting that the support would help reduce the anguish and economic burden on the affected families.
“As a responsive and responsible government, my administration will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive, recognising the informal sector as the engine room of our economy,” the Governor stated.
He also urged entrepreneurs in the state to take advantage of government-supported business advisory services, soft loans and grants available through the ministry responsible for financing and enterprise development.
“The doors of the Ministry responsible for financing and enterprise development are always open to entrepreneurs seeking business advisory services, soft loans and grants. I therefore encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to grow your businesses and improve your livelihoods,” Otu added.
The SPAR Calabar Branch Manager, Mr. Gbenga Ewarawon, thanked President Tinubu and Governor Otu for their commitment to the welfare of the affected businesses and for restoring hope to the victims.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer of AM Global, Andifonkan Samuel, expressed appreciation to the Governor, Federal Government and other stakeholders for the intervention and support.
Samuel said the presence of government officials and other stakeholders at the presentation demonstrated the importance attached to restoring hope and helping those affected by the incident return to productive economic activity.
The beneficiaries also commended President Tinubu for the intervention, saying the support would assist them in rebuilding their businesses and returning to productive livelihoods.
