From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Monday presented cheques of N25 million each to 18 business owners affected by the recent SPAR fire incident in Calabar.
The Governor described the intervention as a critical lifeline to help the victims rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods.
Otu presented the cheques at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Calabar, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses across the state.
The Governor acknowledged that accidents were sometimes unavoidable but stressed that the most important consideration was how government responded to people affected by unfortunate circumstances.
“I know that accidents happen, and there is sometimes little that anybody can do about them. But the important thing is how we respond to such unfortunate situations,” Otu said.
He explained that his administration placed strong emphasis on supporting small businesses because of their contribution to the economy and the livelihoods of residents.
“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 stated.
Senator Otu recalled the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Cross River State on September 1, 2026, for the launch of the South-South Zone of the National Community Food Bank Programme.
He noted that the visit had produced positive multiplier effects beyond the immediate purpose of the programme.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her practical disposition and empathy, describing the intervention for the fire victims as a demonstration of compassionate leadership.
Otu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the people-centred focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the intervention would help alleviate the economic hardship faced by the affected families.
“Besides, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is people-centred. The programme gives hope to the hopeless, succour to the suffering, and protection to the oppressed and vulnerable in society,” Otu said.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds productively, stressing that the financial assistance should translate into sustainable livelihoods and the rebuilding of their businesses.
“It is important to mention at this point that the financial lifeline provided by Mr President should be translated into productive lives and sustainable livelihoods, in order to justify his love, sacrifice and goodwill,” he said.
Governor Otu assured the beneficiaries that they would continue to receive encouragement and support as they worked towards stabilising and rebuilding their businesses.
He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the intervention, noting that it would go a long way in reducing the anguish and economic burden on the affected families.
“As a responsive and responsible government, my administration will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive, recognising the informal sector as the engine room of our economy,” the Governor stated.
He also encouraged entrepreneurs in the state to take advantage of government-supported business advisory services, soft loans and grants available through the ministry responsible for financing and enterprise development.
“The doors of the Ministry responsible for financing and enterprise development are always open to entrepreneurs seeking business advisory services, soft loans and grants. I therefore encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to grow your businesses and improve your livelihoods,” Otu added.
On his part, the SPAR Calabar Branch Manager, Mr Gbenga Ewarawon, thanked the President and Governor for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people and for giving hope to businesses affected by the incident.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer of AM Global, Andifonkan Samuel, expressed appreciation to the Governor, the Federal Government and other stakeholders for their intervention and support.
He noted that the presence of government officials and other stakeholders at the presentation underscored the importance attached to restoring hope to those affected by the incident.
The beneficiaries also commended President Tinubu for the intervention, describing the support as an effort aimed at restoring hope and helping affected citizens return to productive economic activity.
