Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has presented cheques worth 25 million naira each to 18 business owners affected by the recent SPAR fire incident in Calabar.
Otu said accidents are sometimes unavoidable, and that what mattered most is how government responded to those affected.
He said his administration places strong emphasis on supporting small businesses because of their contribution to the economy and livelihoods.
Otu urged the beneficiaries to use the funds productively to rebuild their businesses and achieve sustainable livelihoods.
He encouraged entrepreneurs in the state to take advantage of business advisory services, soft loans and grants available through the ministry for financing and enterprise development.