CALABAR, Nigeria — Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, announced a N500 million ($333,333) presidential relief package on Friday, September 4, 2026, for 18 business owners affected by an August 22, 2026 fire at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, Cross River State.
Golden Info reports that Oluremi Tinubu presented the financial assistance during the official launch of the South-South zonal phase of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Calabar. She stated that Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, approved N25 million ($16,666) for each of the 18 affected business owners, totaling N450 million ($300,000).
“Mr. President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River over this unfortunate incident that destroyed many businesses and livelihoods,” Oluremi Tinubu said. “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.
Oluremi Tinubu allocated an additional N50 million ($33,333) to women’s groups, which was presented to the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu. She also distributed N15 million ($10,000) to women who attended the event to welcome the delegation to the state.
The National Community Food Bank Programme targets children under six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River State, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states.