Kalu Donates N1bn To Abia SMEs, Gives Churches N100m, Groups Rice

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has announced plans to stimulate economic development in Abia state through a N1 billion support package for 2,000 Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

Kalu announced during a town hall meeting of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Bende, Bende Local Government Area, Abia State.

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu, stated that he also distributed trailer loads of rice, other food items, and cash of N100 million to over 100 churches, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and various support groups.

Kalu stated that the initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Partners programme, which aims to empower residents across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.

He said the programme will partner with financial institutions such as the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and the Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) to match the N1 billion fund.

The Deputy Speaker emphasised that Abia State is an enterprising state with an impressive population of traders and businesspeople, stressing that the initiative aims to stimulate economic development.

He directed the Director-General of Ben Kalu Movement (BKM), Emma Trumps Eke, to ensure that the 2,000 businesses in the State are identified and structured for empowerment.

“A few months ago, about six months ago, we gave about N500 million to the programme. We have been distributing from time to time. Today, again, to support the party and its structures, we are providing N100 million.

“Can I have the DG of the Benjamin Kalu Movement? You and your team should help 2,000 small-scale businesses in Abia State. We want you to raise 2,000 firms between now and February. Sometime in February, we will gather again for a time of empowerment.

“Today is not for empowerment. Today is to share food and eat rice together. We will implement empowerment initiatives in the first quarter of the coming year. And between now and that time, we will conduct empowerment sessions. We would like you to collect 2,000 names of small and medium-sized enterprises.

“We are going to support them with N1 billion for 2,000 businesses that will cut across the entire Abia State, all the local government areas in Abia State. You should collect the form from the Renewed Hope Office in Ojike Lane, Umuahia. Go there and pick up the form. Please ensure you return it by February. We are only giving 30 days to do this,” Kalu said.

Highlighting his legislative imprints, Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia state, said he had sponsored 127 bills in the last two years and also delivered over 50 people-oriented constituency projects across the 13 electoral wards in Bende.

“Guided by town halls and citizens’ requests, over 50 constituency projects are executed or ongoing across Bende. Schools and ICT centres have been constructed, along with health centres, access roads, and link roads, as well as agricultural processing centres, including an ultra-modern rice mill. Electricity restoration, water projects, boreholes, desilted waterways, and skills facilities are also ongoing.

“Collectively, these projects are spread across the wards and communities of Bende, including Item, Uzuakoli, Igbere, Ozuitem, Alayi, Ugwueke, Itumbuzor, and Lohum Imenyi, ensuring balanced delivery that responds to local needs and everyday realities.

“Beyond infrastructure, over 150 constituents have received employment facilitation, scholarships, and overseas training. About 1,600 individuals accessed the Benjamin Kalu Grants, and nationally, 37 entrepreneurs, one from each state and the FCT, were empowered. Additional support includes livelihoods, youth and women initiatives, and skills training”, he said.

The Deputy Speaker profoundly appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his invaluable assistance and leadership.

He specifically applauded the President for his economic and financial re-engineering, fuel subsidy and fiscal restructuring, tax reforms and the improvement in power and electricity, education, international relations, security and state police, social protection, agriculture and food security, business, MSMEs, and jobs.

Kalu, however, called for patience and more support for the President, assuring that the government will not fail the people.

“I ask you today: Support President Tinubu. Support our party, the All Progressives Congress. Support the Renewed Hope Agenda. Support Nigeria. We are not just rebuilding a country; we are building a legacy for our children”, Kalu said.