By Onwa Ekor
Eighteen business owners affected by the recent SPAR fire incident at the Calabar Mall have received N25 million each to rebuild their businesses.
The cheques were presented by Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Calabar.
Otu described the intervention as a critical lifeline aimed at helping the victims restore their livelihoods and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
“I know that accidents happen and there is sometimes little anybody can do about them, but the important thing is how we respond to such unfortunate situations,” the governor said.
“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 added.
Otu said the intervention was part of the multiplier effects of the recent visit of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to the state for the launch of the South-South Zone of the National Community Food Bank Programme.
He commended the First Lady for her empathy and practical disposition, describing the support as a demonstration of compassionate leadership.
Otu also lauded President Bola Tinubu for the people-centred focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the programme gives hope to the hopeless and protection to the vulnerable.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is people-centred. It gives hope to the hopeless, succour to the suffering and protection to the oppressed and vulnerable in our society,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds productively to rebuild sustainable businesses.
“It is important that the financial lifeline provided by Mr. President should be translated into productive lives and sustainable livelihoods, to justify his love, sacrifice and goodwill,” Otu said.
The governor assured that his administration will continue to support SMEs, describing the informal sector as the engine room of the economy, and encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of business advisory services, soft loans and grants available through the ministry responsible for financing and enterprise development.
In his remarks, the Branch Manager of SPAR Calabar, Mr. Gbenga Ewarawon, thanked the President and the governor for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer of AM Global, Mr. Samuel Andifonkan, expressed appreciation to the federal and state governments for the intervention, saying it has restored hope to the affected families.
