Wife of the president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a N500m presidential relief package for 18 business owners affected by the August 22 fire at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, Cross River State.
Tinubu made the announcement on Friday during the launch of the South-South zonal phase of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Calabar.
She said President Bola Tinubu had approved N25m for each of the 18 affected business owners, totalling N450m, to help them recover from the losses caused by the fire.
“Mr President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River over this unfortunate incident that destroyed many businesses and livelihoods.
“Mr President has asked me to give N25 million for each of the 18 business owners affected. This intervention is to provide immediate support and help victims recover from their losses,” she said.
Tinubu also announced an additional N50m for women’s groups, which she presented to the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, while N15m was given to women who welcomed her to the state.
The August 22 fire at the shopping mall affected several businesses and left owners facing substantial financial losses.
The president’s wife, who was received by Governor Bassey Otu and his wife, also flagged off the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-South zone.
The programme targets vulnerable households, particularly children under six, pregnant women and lactating mothers, with nutritious food support.
Tinubu said the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on food security, healthcare and citizens’ wellbeing.
She noted that three food banks had been established across Cross River’s Southern, Central and Northern Senatorial Districts to ensure wider access.
The launch marked the initiative’s fifth zonal rollout across Nigeria. Tinubu said the programme would achieve nationwide coverage in 2027, with the sixth zonal launch scheduled for Anambra.
Earlier, she inaugurated an ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River State, aimed at promoting digital skills and youth empowerment.
