Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for approving the Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for two newly established federal tertiary institutions in Bende Local Government Area.
The institutions are the Federal College of Education, Bende, and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu described the Governor’s swift approval as a significant milestone that would fast-track the commencement of academic and administrative activities at the institutions.
It will be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025 signed into law the bills sponsored by Kalu establishing the two federal institutions in Bende.
According to the Deputy Speaker, the approval of the Certificates of Occupancy is expected to accelerate the take-off of the institutions, create employment opportunities, expand access to quality education and healthcare services, and stimulate economic growth in Bende and Abia State at large.
Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said the collaboration between his office and the Abia State Government demonstrates the value of strategic partnerships in delivering sustainable development for the people.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the state government to attract more federal projects and investments to Abia.
“I commend His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, for this swift action. It is a synergy that works for the development of Abia State and our people in general,” Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized that the establishment of the two institutions aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen educational infrastructure, improve healthcare training, and promote socio-economic development across the state.
