Tinubu grants ₦450m relief to SPAR Mall fire victims

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President Tinubu

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By Ike Uchechukwu

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Eighteen business owners affected by the fire that razed the Calabar Mall, popularly known as SPAR Mall, are to receive ₦25 million each from the Federal Government, amounting to ₦450 million.

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The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, disclosed this on Friday in Calabar, saying President Bola Tinubu approved the intervention to cushion the effect of the inferno on the victims.

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According to her, an additional ₦50 million was presented to the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, to support women’s groups, while ₦15 million was given to women who received her in the state, bringing the total intervention to ₦515 million.

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“Mr President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River over this unfortunate incident that destroyed many businesses and livelihoods.

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“This intervention is to provide immediate support and help victims recover from their losses,” Senator Tinubu said.

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The intervention followed the August 22 fire outbreak at the shopping mall, which affected several businesses and destroyed properties worth billions of naira, leaving business owners with substantial losses.

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Senator Tinubu said the Federal Government’s gesture was aimed at providing immediate relief to affected entrepreneurs and helping them recover from the losses suffered in the disaster.

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Receiving the First Lady, Governor Bassey Otu expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Senator Tinubu for the intervention, describing it as a timely gesture that would bring succour to victims of the fire disaster.

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The governor said the relief package would provide meaningful assistance to the affected business owners as they begin the process of rebuilding their businesses and livelihoods.

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