By Onwa Ekor
The Federal Government has released ₦515 million as relief for victims of the recent fire outbreak at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, Cross River.
President Bola Tinubu’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, announced the package on Friday during her visit to the state.
She was also in Calabar to flag off the South-South phase of the National Community Foodbank Programme.
On the breakdown of the funds, the First Lady said the President approved ₦25 million each for the 18 business owners affected by the inferno, amounting to ₦450 million.
She added that ₦50 million was given to the wife of the Cross River governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, to support women’s groups, while another ₦15 million was presented to women who welcomed her to Calabar.
“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,” Mrs Tinubu said.
She explained that the Foodbank Programme was designed to improve food security and tackle malnutrition among vulnerable households across the South-South.
Governor Bassey Otu thanked the President and the First Lady for the gesture, noting that it would bring succor to victims and strengthen support for women and vulnerable groups in the state.
