Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has announced plans to boost economic growth in Abia State through a ₦1 billion support package targeting 2,000 small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking at a town hall meeting of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Bende Local Government Area on Monday, Kalu also distributed trailer loads of rice, other food items, and cash worth ₦100 million to over 100 churches, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and various support groups.
In a statement signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Kalu said the initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Partners programme to empower residents across all 17 local government areas of the state.
Kalu recalled that a few months ago, the programme had already disbursed ₦500 million to support residents’ businesses.
The new ₦1 billion package will be implemented in partnership with financial institutions such as the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and the Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) to match the funds.
He described Abia State as an enterprising region with a vibrant community of traders and businesspeople, stressing that the programme aims to stimulate economic development and create sustainable opportunities.
Directing the Director-General of the Ben Kalu Movement, Pastor Emma Trumps Eke, to identify and structure 2,000 businesses for the empowerment initiative, Kalu said: “About six months ago, we provided ₦500 million to the programme, and we have continued distributing support. Today, to strengthen the party and our structures, we are giving ₦100 million.
“The DG of the Benjamin Kalu Movement and his team should help us identify 2,000 small-scale businesses across Abia State. By February, we will gather again for empowerment. Each business will receive about ₦500,000 to start with, and we will invite our partner agencies to match our fund. If my office contributes ₦1 billion, these institutions may contribute even more because Abia is truly an enterprising state.”
Legislative Achievements
Highlighting his legislative accomplishments, Kalu said he has sponsored 127 bills in the last two years and delivered over 50 constituency projects across 13 electoral wards in Bende.
“These bills span governance, inclusion, infrastructure, security, and economic reform. Some, like the SEDC Act, have already been institutionalized, while others continue to shape national debate.
“Guided by town halls and citizens’ requests, we have executed over 50 people-oriented projects including schools, ICT centres, health facilities, roads, agricultural processing centres such as an ultra-modern rice mill, water projects, electricity restoration, boreholes, and skills training centres across communities such as Item, Uzuakoli, Igbere, Ozuitem, Alayi, Ugwueke, Itumbuzor, and Lohum Imenyi.”
Beyond infrastructure, Kalu noted that over 150 constituents have benefited from employment facilitation, scholarships, and overseas training.
Around 1,600 individuals have accessed the Benjamin Kalu Grants, while 37 entrepreneurs nationwide were empowered through the programme.
Additional initiatives include youth and women empowerment, skills development, and livelihood support.
Praise for President Tinubu
Kalu also praised President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and economic reforms, including fiscal restructuring, tax reforms, power and electricity improvements, education initiatives, social protection, and support for MSMEs.
He urged citizens to support the President, the APC, and the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Representation is continuous and rooted in the people’s needs. Our commitment is to keep building until Bende and Nigeria thrive,” Kalu said.
“The last two and a half years have been challenging globally, but Nigeria stands strong today because of President Tinubu’s steady leadership. Your legislature is working, your President is working, and as Deputy Speaker, I am working tirelessly to ensure Nigeria’s best days are ahead. Support the party, support the Renewed Hope Agenda, support our President, and support Nigeria, we are building a legacy for our children.”
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