Timber dealers lament exclusion from Tinubu’s Calabar fire relief
Timber dealers in Calabar are expressing frustration over their exclusion from a recent financial relief package aimed at traders affected by a fire at the Spar Shopping Mall. The traders are particularly disappointed that assistance from First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu did not extend to those impacted by the fire at the Akim Timber Market.
Earlier this week, the First Lady announced a total of N450 million to support 18 beneficiaries whose goods were destroyed in the fire at Spar Shopping Mall, providing N25 million each.
In light of this development, the timber dealers are appealing to President Bola Tinubu and the Cross River State Government for similar assistance to help them recover and return to business. On Friday, Mr. Augustine Effanga, who spoke on behalf of the traders during a broadcast on Sparkling FM, criticized state authorities for failing to inform Mrs. Tinubu about the significant losses incurred by vendors at other markets.
Effanga expressed sadness over the lack of communication, stating, “We are really sad that our leaders did not draw the attention of Mrs. Tinubu to our plight when she visited the state recently.” He believes that had the First Lady been made aware of the situation, the relief package might have included victims from other fire incidents as well.
The timber dealers estimate their losses at over N650 million, encompassing timber and other property destroyed in a fire that affected approximately 25 shops at the Akim Timber Market on March 27. Effanga highlighted the ongoing struggle of the dealers, noting that they have been unable to gather sufficient resources to resume their businesses several months after the incident.
“We therefore appeal to the President and our state governor to remember us and give us some respite,” he added, emphasizing the urgent need for support among the affected traders.
