Reps Deputy Speaker parlays with Item Community
…Assures on revitalization of Amaokwe agro-based processing factory
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has assured that necessary legislative interventions would be made to revitalize an agro-based processing factory in Amaokwe Item in Bende local government area of Abia State to boost the economy of the country.
Item is one of the communities in Bende Federal Constituency being represented by the Deputy Speaker.
Kalu made the promise while responding to a three-point request by apex socio-cultural organisation of Item clan, the Item Development Association (IDA), which paid a courtesy visit on the Number Six citizen of the country at his Bende country home in God’s Own State.
The requests of the IDA included the revitalization of agro-based processing factory in Amaokwe Item of Abia State; construction of the federal road from Amaokwe/Akanu/Okai Item to Akaeze in Ebonyi State; and resuscitation of Item water project located at Apuanu.
“I have seen what you listed here. These things are doable. Revitalization 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,” Kalu responded.
Earlier in his address, the President-General of IDA, Chief Onwuka Orji, had commended 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.
“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 Speaker, 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 continuous support and responsiveness to ensure your good intentions for Item community and Bende Federal Constituency are achieved,” the IDA leader pledged.
In their separate remarks, some members of association, including
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.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, disclosed that highlight of the courtesy visit was the conferment of the chieftaincy title of “Aguneche Mba” literally meaning “The Tiger that Protects” Item Community on Rt. Hon. Kalu.
