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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has presented N450 million in relief funds to 18 business owners affected by the recent fire at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, as he also unveiled a package of infrastructure projects and other interventions for the state judiciary.
Each of the affected business owners received N25 million to help rebuild their businesses and restore livelihoods following losses suffered in the August 22 fire.
Presenting the cheques at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Calabar, Otu described the intervention as a lifeline for the affected entrepreneurs and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses.
“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.”
He said his administration placed strong emphasis on supporting small businesses because of their contribution to the economy and 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 said.
The relief followed the intervention of the Federal Government after the fire, with President Bola Tinubu approving N450 million for the 18 affected businesses at N25 million each.
Otu recalled the visit of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Cross River State earlier in September, saying the visit produced benefits beyond its immediate programme.
He thanked the First Lady for facilitating the intervention and commended President Tinubu for approving the financial assistance.
According to him, the support would help cushion the economic impact of the fire on the victims and their 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.
The governor urged the beneficiaries to deploy the funds productively and ensure that the assistance translated into the rebuilding of their businesses and sustainable livelihoods.
“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.”
Otu assured them of continued support, saying his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for small and medium-sized enterprises.
“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.”
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He also urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of government-supported business advisory services, soft loans and grants available through the ministry responsible for finance and enterprise development.
SPAR Calabar Branch Manager, Mr. Gbenga Ewarawon, thanked President Tinubu and Governor Otu for what he described as their unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people and for giving hope to the affected businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chief Executive Officer of AM Global, Andifonkan Samuel, said the assistance would help the affected entrepreneurs rebuild and return to productive economic activity.
Meanwhile, Otu has announced a new package of judiciary infrastructure projects and the donation of vehicles to magistrates as part of efforts to strengthen justice delivery in the state.
The governor made the announcement on Monday at a service marking the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year at The Apostolic Church in Calabar.
Otu, who said the occasion marked his first in-person attendance at the ceremony since 2023, maintained that the greatness of a state could be measured by the integrity of its justice system.
He announced the rebuilding of the High Court in Ikom, which was destroyed by fire, as well as the construction of a three-courtroom Magistrate Court in Ikom and a multi-purpose court hall at Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar.
The governor also disclosed plans for the construction of a new Judicial Service Commission headquarters and Chief Judge’s chambers, alongside the renovation of the Magistrate Court Complex on Moore Road and the Judiciary Headquarters.
He said the interventions were intended to provide judicial officers and court users with a more conducive environment for the administration of justice.
“Access to justice in a conducive environment is a right, not a privilege. Contractors are not merely erecting walls; they are building temples of justice.”
Otu also announced the donation of vehicles to magistrates to improve their mobility and effectiveness in the discharge of their duties.
The vehicle intervention comes against the backdrop of earlier requests by magistrates in the state for improved welfare and operational support, including official vehicles.
In her address, Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme, disclosed that the judiciary generated ₦152.6 million in the 2025 fiscal year, representing 27.2 per cent above its estimated revenue.
She described the opening of the new legal year as an established tradition in the state and an opportunity for the judiciary to reflect on its performance and priorities.
In his sermon, Territorial Chairman of The Apostolic Church, Pastor Edet Ayi, urged lawyers and judges to dispense justice with righteousness and called on political leaders to govern with wisdom.
