The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a N500 million relief package for 18 business owners affected by the recent fire disaster at the Calabar Mall in Cross River State.

Tinubu, who announced the intervention during her visit to Calabar on Friday, said the Federal Government would provide N25 million to each of the affected business owners.

She also announced an additional N50 million donation to women’s groups in the state as part of efforts to support vulnerable groups and strengthen livelihoods.

The First Lady said the intervention was aimed at cushioning the impact of the disaster on the affected businesses and helping the owners recover from their losses.

The Calabar Mall was recently gutted by fire, destroying several businesses and leaving traders counting their losses.

Tinubu was in Cross River to launch the National Community Food Bank Programme in the South-South geopolitical zone as part of efforts to address food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable Nigerians.

She said three food banks were being launched simultaneously in the state to provide nutritional support to children under six, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

According to her, 1,179 beneficiaries had already been enrolled in the intervention, while 2,089 food packages had been distributed.

Tinubu urged state governments to adopt the food bank programme to ensure wider coverage and greater impact across communities.

“The National Community Food Bank Programme is a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households,” she said.

She said the initiative was designed to provide nutritious food to children under six, pregnant women and lactating mothers to support healthy growth and development.

The First Lady said the programme was in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its objectives of improving food security, healthcare outcomes and the welfare of Nigerians.

The South-South launch brings to five the number of geopolitical zones covered by the intervention, with the programme expected to expand to the remaining zone.

Amongst others, the First Lady also held an advocacy engagement with members of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, stressing the importance of traditional institutions in communicating government programmes and their impact to communities.