Tinubu Approves ₦515m Relief for Calabar Mall Fire Victims

​First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has announced a presidential relief package totaling ₦515 million for victims of the devastating August 22 fire outbreak at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, Cross River State.

​The announcement was made on Friday during the launch of the South-South zonal phase of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Calabar. According to the First Lady, President Bola Tinubu approved ₦25 million each for the 18 major business owners whose shops and livelihoods were ravaged by the inferno, bringing the direct entrepreneur support to ₦450 million.

​”Mr. President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River over this unfortunate incident that destroyed many businesses and livelihoods,” Senator Tinubu stated. “This intervention is to provide immediate support and help victims recover from their losses.”

​In addition to the funds earmarked for the direct mall fire victims, an extra ₦50 million was extended to women’s groups through the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, alongside a ₦15 million token presented to the women’s welcoming contingent.

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​Governor Bassey Otu expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the state, describing the federal intervention as a timely lifeline that will jump-start economic recovery for the affected entrepreneurs.

​During the visit, the First Lady also commissioned regional centers for the National Community Food Bank Programme. Designed to mitigate food insecurity and malnutrition, the initiative prioritizes vulnerable demographics, including children under six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states.