Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has assured that necessary legislative interventions will be made to revamp the agro-based processing factory in Amaokwe Item, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, as part of strategies of the Federal Government to boost Nigeria’s economy.
This was contained in his response to a three-item request made by the leadership of Item Development Association (IDA), during a courtesy call on him at his Bende country home.
The requests of the association included the revitalisation of agro-based processing factory in Amaokwe Item of Abia State; the construction of the federal road from Amaokwe/Akanu/Okai Item to Akaeze in Ebonyi State; and the resuscitation of the Item water project located at Apuanu.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker’s kinsmen, noted that fixing the above projects would positively affect the lives of the people.
Responding, Kalu said: “I have seen what you listed here. These things are doable. Revitalisation of agro-based processing factory in Amaokwe Item, we will find a way to commence. The inclusion into the national list of capital projects, the construction of the federal road from Amaokwe/Akanu/Okai Item to Akaeze in Eboyi State. This has already been done.
“The water project was part of my NEEDS analysis. I am not your regular politician who just wants to do things for praise singing. I am not interested in that loudness. My concern is what are the needs and the solutions. Quietly, I send my team to do the NEEDS analysis to capture the needs of the people. And this is one of them. Two agencies have been there. When I go back to Abuja, we will look at them. You know, I am carrying the burdens of 360 constituencies.”
Earlier in his address, the President-General of IDA, Chief Onwuka Orji, lauded the deputy speaker for showing capacity and spreading projects across Bende federal constituency from which their community has also benefited.
He also appreciated Kalu for facilitating the appointment of their son, Chief Emmanuel Trump Eke, as a federal commissioner representing Abia in the National Population Commission (NPC) and also appointing another of their son, Chief Daniel Akwari, as his political adviser.
He said: “You have shown capacity, delivering projects and other developmental interventions across communities in Bende. Your interventions and projects in Item are highly appreciated. In expression of gratitude, it is imperative at this point to specially, on behalf of the entire people of Item thank you for the recent commitment towards the establishment of Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Item.
“As you are aware, our dear Deputy, the academic, economic and developmental benefits that will come with such establishment will be so huge not only for Item communities in Bende and beyond.
“Similarly, we acknowledge with appreciation the strategic roles you played in facilitating the appointment of one of our illustrious sons, Hon. Emma Trump Eke, as a member representing Abia State in the National Population Commission. We assure you of our continued support and responsiveness to ensure your good intentions for Item community and Bende Federal Constituency are achieved.”
In their separate remarks, some members of the association which include Barr. J. U. K. Igwe (SAN); High Chief Sydeny Onyebuchi Dike and Bishop Sunday Onuoha commended Kalu’s legislative prowess and appreciated him for his contributions to the development of the constituency, Abia State and Nigeria.
The highlight of the courtesy visit was the conferment of chieftaincy title of “Aguneche Mba” meaning “The Protector” of Item Community on the deputy speaker.
