FG Approves ₦25m Each for 18 Businesses Hit by Calabar Mall Fire
The Federal Government has announced financial assistance for 18 business owners affected by the recent fire at the Calabar Mall in Cross River State.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu unveiled the intervention during a visit to Calabar, where she launched the South-South phase of the National Community Food Bank Programme.
Under the arrangement, each affected business owner will receive ₦25 million, bringing the direct support for the fire victims to ₦450 million.
An additional ₦50 million will be provided to women’s groups in Cross River State, taking the total package announced by the First Lady to ₦500 million.
The intervention is expected to help the affected entrepreneurs rebuild their businesses and recover from the losses caused by the mall fire.
During the visit, Tinubu also inaugurated three food banks intended to provide nutritional assistance to vulnerable residents, particularly children below six years, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Busola Kukoyi, 1,179 people had been enrolled in the food-support programme, while 2,089 packages had already been distributed.
The First Lady urged state governments to support and expand the initiative to reach more vulnerable households.
She also inaugurated a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River State. The facility includes technology and innovation laboratories as well as an engineering workshop.
Sources: PUNCH and Leadership.
