Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has lauded President Bola Tinubu and the Southeast governors for their efforts towards peace in the geopolitical zone.
This is just as the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) on Thursday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), where a model was unveiled for Community Enterprise Digital Hub, to be established across the five states of the South East region.
PISE-P, an initiative of the Deputy Speaker Kalu was recently launched in the Southeast region to champion peace and other non-kinetic means of addressing the agelong sociological challenges agitating the people of the region.
In his keynote address at the signing, the Deputy Speaker said the initiative was aimed at bridging the digital divide in various constituencies, particularly in remote and underserved areas, with a focus on the South East.
He said: “The South East region, once considered a hub for entrepreneurial activities, is facing numerous socio-economic challenges currently. Rising unemployment, inflation, and security threats have hindered the region’s potential for growth. PISE-P recognizes the urgency to address these challenges, restore peace, and unlock the untapped potential within the region.
“Utilizing NIGCOMSAT’s state-of-the-art satellite technology, CEDIH will provide reliable and affordable connectivity, ensuring that residents in the South East gain access to vital services such as telemedicine, education, and financial solutions.
“By addressing the digital gap, this project promotes inclusion, reduces disparities, and contributes to enhanced healthcare and overall quality of life for residents in the South East. If this is not renewed hope, I wonder what it is.”
Kalu said the programme was inline with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on job creation.
He also called on other government agencies, Non Governmental Organisations and good spirited individuals, to take a cue from the patriotic initiative of NIGCOMSAT, to support and partner PISE-P, to enable it successfully utilize the line-up programs of employment, development, reconciliation and restoration of total peace in the South East region.
The Deputy Speaker also acknowledged the various efforts of stakeholders, organisations and government agencies in supporting the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P).
Kalu said already the Governors from the South East region had taken the front seats in the project of peace and security in the land, saying, their efforts are highly commended by the PISE-P.
Earlier, the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen said the pilot project of the community enterprise digital hub would take off in Nimo Town, Njikoka LGA of Anambra State; Owo community, Nkanu East LGA, Enugu State; Mgbom community at Afikpo in Ebonyi State; Bende community in Bende LGA, Abia State and Umunachi, Isiala, Mbano, in Imo State.
“NIGCOMSAT Ltd is fully committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace as a non kinetic tool for the insecurity. We are therefore, proud to deliver the pilot project to commence for the five states in the South-East”, she added.
