⬆️Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba(2nd right).
The Cross River State Government has extended its relief support to 22 additional businesses affected by the SPAR Mall fire in Calabar, reinforcing its commitment to helping operators rebuild, restore livelihoods and protect jobs.
The assurance was delivered at a meeting convened by the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, in collaboration with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA).
The meeting brought together representatives of the 22 businesses whose goods, equipment and other assets were destroyed or looted during the incident. These operators were not covered under the initial relief package provided to businesses that suffered total losses.
Barr. Akiba recalled the severe impact of the fire on businesses, property and livelihoods. He noted that the incident also threatened employment and disrupted economic activities within the affected establishments.
He explained that following Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s engagement with the Federal Government, an initial intervention was secured for 18 businesses that recorded total losses. The state government later made additional provisions to accommodate other affected operators.
Akiba disclosed that the state government has committed more than ₦100 million to support the affected businesses, with individual payments determined by the extent of losses incurred. He said some beneficiaries have already received their funds, adding that the meeting was organised to reassure the remaining operators of the government’s determination to ensure all eligible businesses receive assistance.
The Special Adviser stressed that the intervention would go beyond immediate financial relief. Further discussions, he said, would focus on supporting the full recovery of the businesses and encouraging improved insurance arrangements to better protect operators against future losses.
In his remarks, the Director-General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, represented by the Agency’s Disaster Management Officer, Mr. Agbor Okim, commended the affected business operators for their patience and understanding throughout the process.
He described the intervention as clear evidence of the state government’s commitment to supporting residents hit by disasters. Nyong also emphasised the need to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacity across Cross River.
He revealed that CR-SEMA is collaborating with the South-South Development Commission to improve its operational capacity. The collaboration includes the provision of a firefighting truck and an ambulance, both expected to arrive before December.
Arrangements are also said to be underway to train qualified personnel to operate the new equipment and enhance the Agency’s ability to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies.
Nyong urged the beneficiaries to use the financial assistance as a foundation for rebuilding their businesses and thanked them for their patience during the intervention process.
The Manager of SPAR Mall, Mr. Oluwagbenga Ewarawon, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support. He noted that the intervention would help affected businesses recover and preserve the jobs of employees who depend on them for their livelihoods.
Ewarawon explained that while some shops within the mall employed between three and four persons, larger outlets had workforces exceeding 50. The recovery of the affected businesses, he stressed, would therefore help protect jobs and sustain commercial activities in the area.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Rose Nwadike, who represented her employer, Mr. Ibeto Henry of Black and White Salon, also appreciated the Federal and State Governments for the assistance. She described the intervention as helpful in enabling affected businesses to recover and resume operations.