First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has announced a N500 million presidential relief package for business owners affected by the August 22 fire at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, Cross River State.
Tinubu made the announcement on Friday during the launch of the South-South zonal phase of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Calabar.
She said President Bola Tinubu had approved N25 million for each of the 18 affected business owners, totalling N450 million, to help them recover from their losses.
“Mr. President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River over this unfortunate incident that destroyed many businesses and livelihoods,” she said.
“Mr President has asked me to give N25 million for each of the 18 business owners affected. This intervention is to provide immediate support and help victims recover from their losses,” the First Lady added.
Beyond the business relief, Tinubu also announced an additional *N50 million for women’s groups* in the state. The donation was presented to the wife of the Cross River State Governor, *Bishop Eyoanwan Otu*.
Another *N15 million* was also given to women who welcomed her to the state.
The *August 22 fire* at the SPAR mall affected several businesses and left owners facing substantial financial losses.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the *National Community Food Bank Programme* is a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households across the South-South.
The programme targets *Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers* states.
Priority beneficiaries include *children under six, pregnant women and lactating mothers*.
“This initiative is about ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry. We must build systems that support our most vulnerable,” she stated.
