Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu says the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) is aimed at promoting reconciliation among communities and ensuring the return of security of lives and property.
He stated this in Bende on Friday during the launch of the project which he initiated.
The lawmaker decried the huge economic loss that has come with the weekly sit-at-home in the South East region, saying the transport sector, education, SME and more have been hugely affected.
He said, “Our goals in the South East Project are clear. We aim to promote reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts.
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“We recognize the need to address the root causes of conflict, including socio-economic disparities and political tensions. Empowering communities is another crucial goal of the project, providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and opportunities for sustainable development.”
According to the Bende Federal Constituency representative, transport sector in South East with approximately 1,083,000 commercial vehicles has faced substantial financial setbacks due to sit-at-home protests, losing between N10 billion to N13 billion on each sit-at-home day.
He added that the business environment reflects alarming statistics, with trading businesses incurring losses ranging from N655 billion to N3.8 trillion in the last 24 months, in addition to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that has faced daily losses estimated between N5.4 billion to N31 billion.
He highlighted that engaging the youths, social justice and equity are core ingredients in achieving this project.
“We also believe in the power of engaging youth in the peace-building process. By empowering young people with education, training, and leadership opportunities, we are investing in the region’s future. Inclusivity and social justice are core values we aim to foster, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have equal access to opportunities and resources.
“Cultivating a culture of peace is essential in our journey. We must promote dialogue, tolerance, and non-violence as core values within our communities. By working towards these goals, we aim to create a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive region for all its residents“, he noted.
He emphasizing that the initiative represents a significant milestone in our journey toward lasting peace and development, he described it as a comprehensive framework that encompasses various strategies, programs, and projects aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict, promoting reconciliation, and empowering communities.
