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 Shopping Mall in Calabar.
The presentation, which took place on Monday at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Calabar, was aimed at helping the affected businesses rebuild and restore their livelihoods.
Speaking during the presentation, Governor Otu described the intervention as a critical lifeline for the victims, stressing that while accidents could sometimes be unavoidable, government’s response to those affected was what mattered most.
“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.
The governor said his administration remained committed to supporting small and medium-sized 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 also 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.
He said the visit had generated positive effects beyond the immediate purpose of the programme, expressing appreciation to the First Lady for what he described as her practical disposition and empathy.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the people-centred focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the intervention would help reduce the economic burden on families affected by the fire incident.
“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 judiciously and productively, noting that the financial support 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 of continued encouragement and support as they work to stabilise and rebuild their businesses.
“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 encouraged 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.
Speaking on behalf of SPAR Calabar, the branch manager, Mr Gbenga Ewarawon, thanked the President and the governor for their commitment to the welfare of the affected businesses and for providing support to the victims.
Also speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer of AM Global, Andifonkan Samuel, expressed appreciation to the governor, the Federal Government and other stakeholders for their intervention.
Samuel said the presence of government officials and other stakeholders at the presentation demonstrated the importance attached to restoring hope and economic stability to those affected by the incident.
The beneficiaries also commended President Tinubu for the intervention, describing the support as a significant step towards helping affected businesses recover and return to productive economic activity.
.jpeg)
0 Comments: