Rep. Ben Kalu Holds Townhall Meeting With Constituents In Bende, Presents His Achievements (Photos, Video)

Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has held another edition of his annual townhall meeting and empowerment programme with his constituents where he also presented the scorecard of his representation in the past two years to the people of the constituency.

Our correspondent gathered that the lawmaker had in the past 19 years held the empowerment programme on the 29th of every December.

The 2021 edition of the ceremony took place at the Agbamuzu Hall, Bende in Bende LGA, Abia State.

The Wednesday empowerment programme which coincided with the third edition of his townhall meeting and report presentation since he was elected into the House of Representatives is the 19th in the series.

The event kicked off with a tour by the traditional rulers, stakeholders, all constituents present and the member representing Bende Federal Constituency who led them round the Projects displayed in the gallery, explaining the current stage of each project.

Rep. Benjamin Kalu in his speech at the event, acknowledged the presence of the traditional rulers present at the event, also specially recognizing the Senate President, Distinguished Sen. Ahmed Lawan, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Senate Chief Whip, the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial Zone, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu appreciating them for their leadership and support through these years.

He expressed his gratitude to the constituents who had made it to the 19th edition of the Annual townhall, stating that this is a fulfillment of his promise to Bende people, to stay accountable. In his words;

‘It is with a sense of gratitude that I thank you all for honouring yet another invitation to this annual town hall meeting. This is one of the promises I made to Bende, to constantly be accountable, available, and maintain close communication with my constituents regarding my activities at the House of Representatives.

‘It has been an arduous but fulfilling journey representing you, the good people of Bende Federal Constituency, in the last two years. Regardless of the many challenges that has come with it, we have strived to rewrite the history of Bende while delivering the dividends of democracy and good governance. We have raised the bar for quality representation and have put Bende on the national map.’

He stated that the day is a remarkable day as it represents very special events in his life, most especially, his wedding anniversary and the remembrance of his late mother who was a great humanitarian and philanthropist, adding that this is the reason he maintained this day as the day to celebrate with Bende constituents as well as present his scorecard of representation since emergence as the member representing the constituency at the National Assembly.

Major highlights of the event include the presentation of the report for his achievements and legislative activities within the last two years since his resumption into office with over 22 motions, 51 bills sponsored, various oversight activities as well as federal government Interventions championed by the law maker for the good of Bende and Nigeria at large.

Rep. Kalu further listed in detail the projects he has attracted to the constituency, some of which have been completed while the rest are still ongoing which include;

1. Roads and Infrastructure:
a. Umuimenyi Nkpa Ecological Fund Project (on-going): Attracted an 11km Ecological Intervention Project in Umuimenyi Nkpa which includes construction of roads and the Nkpa bridge to curb the erosion menace in the communities.

b. Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia Road (on-going): Commenced the rehabilitation and construction of the Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia Road (LOT2) in Abia State to the tune of ₦12bn.

c. Etitiulo-Itumbauzo Road (on-going): Secured the rehabilitation of the Etitiulo-Itumbauzo road which has now been asphalted.

d. Construction of 1km Road in Etitiulo Bende in Bende LGA (ongoing).

e. Construction of 1km Amaogwu Ndiokorieukwu road (ongoing).
f. Construction of 600-metre Amaogwu Agbomiri road (ongoing).
g. Construction of 400-metre Agbomiri Umorie road (ongoing).

2. Health:
a. Completion of Health and Maternity Centre for Amaogwu, Bende, Bende Federal Constituency. (Completed)
b. Health Insurance Scheme for Bende providing 90% subsidized healthcare for over 500 Bende indigenes. (Completed)
c. Ntalakwu Health Centre. (90% completed).
d. Construction of Maternity Health care in Okputong, Bende town in Bende L.G.A. (ongoing)
e. Renovation of Umunnato Item Health Centre (Ongoing).

3. Employment: Several Bende graduates have benefited from federal employment.

4. Education:
a. Construction and Furnishing of 3-classroom block in Nkporo central school, Ubibia in Itumbauzo Bende LGA.
b. Construction of 3-classroom block at Ndiwo Town School in itumbauzo Bende LGA.
c. Completed renovation of Uzuakoli Practicing School.
d. Completed renovation of Amazu Central School, Umuhu Ezechi.
e. Distribution of learning and educational materials to community schools in 13 wards of Bende Federal Constituency.
f. Renovation of a block of 6 classrooms in Girls secondary school Uzuakoli.
g. Renovation of 3 classrooms in Uzuakoli township school, currently ongoing.
h. Renovation of Nkpa technical school Nkpa in Bende L.G.A, (Completed).
i. Construction and furnishing of 3 class rooms in Onuibina primary school Igbere in Bende L.G.A completed.
j. Renovation of a block of 3 classrooms in Community primary school Okai item completed.
k. Construction of a block of 3 classrooms in Amaokai primary school Ugwueke, ongoing.
l. Construction and renovation of of six classroom blocks in community primary school, Apanu Item.
m. Construction of Block of 3 Classrooms in Okporoenyi, Bende.
n. Construction/renovation and furnishing of a block of 3 classrooms at Item Community High School.

5. Completed the Divisional Immigration Office in Bende.

6. Construction of ICT Centre.

7. Agriculture:
a. Skills Acquisition/Training of 200 Bende Constituents on Aquaponics development in Bende Federal Constituency.
b. Training and empowerment of Youth and Women on Agribusiness management in Bende Federal Constituency.
c. Training and empowerment of over 1000 Bende indigenes on rice farming and production
d. Supply of Agricultural Seeds to Farmers in Bende.

8. Water:
i. Solar powered borehole drilling at Ovum Ugwu, Nkpa (Completed).
ii. Construction of solar powered borehole in Mba Autonomous community Ozuitem, (Completed).
iii. Construction of solar powered borehole in Okpufu Amankalu Alayi in Bende L.G.A, (Ongoing).
iv. Construction of solar powered borehole in Okoko Item (Ongoing).

9. Security and Transport Support Programmes: Donation of 27 motorbikes and 13 tricycles (keke napep) to various wards in Bende to curb insecurity and improve transportation in Bende.
10. Power Infrastructure:
i. Construction of a solar farm to house a mini grid for energy supply in Bende which will provide light for 25 years non-stop and away from the national grid (Ongoing).
ii. Installation of 2.5 kva transformer in Amaokwe Item, (Completed).
iii. Provision of Solar Street lights across various communities in Bende.
iv. Construction of 2×7.5 MVA 33/11KV injection Substation in Bende Town with one feeder extension at Ozuitem.

11. Hall Rehabilitations:
a. Rehabilitation of Uche-Ebiri hall in Igbere (Ongoing)
b. Agbamuzu town hall, Bende completed.
12. Bende Widows Support Programme (19th Edition)
13. Bende Food Support Programme (19th Edition)

Also speaking at the event, The Chairman of Traditional Rulers in Bende, Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu expressed his joy in all that he sees happening in Bende Federal Constituency, He emphasized that they have never seen it happen like this before since the inception of democracy, he emphasized that people who have gone to the house and received these funds for these items but they pocketed it instead of distributing it to the people. He prayed that God will continue to guide and strengthen the member as he continues to go higher in his journey.

The constituents were also given time to make remarks, ask questions and also gain clarity on certain issues concerning projects and his representation at the National Assembly. This was duly answered by the representative. While expressing their surprise in the number of achievements by the member in just 24 months, the visibly pleased attendees expressed their joy as they interacted with their representative.

The event featured distribution of various empowerment items to Bende constituents ranging from motorcycles, sewing machines, washing machines, grinding machines. He also shared wrappers to all the women who were present at the event while ensuring that everyone who attended the event left with something.

A constituent, Mrs. Ngozi Ezeogo who could not hold his joy said,

‘What is happening today in Bende is to show that Bende people got it right this time, this is because we have never experience such a time in this constituency, we have had representatives but none have been as productive as Rep. Benjamin Kalu. Bende is grateful to him, May God continue to bless him more’

The constituents were filled with gratitude as they continued their songs of praise to God for the blessing of Rep. Benjamin Kalu who assured them to do more.

The event was attended by Eze. Jerry Akpala, Eze. Uwakwe Ukaegbu, Eze Innocent Mba, Eze. Sunday Ogbonna, Eze. Sunday Chile Ogoh, Hon. Amobi Ogah, Elder. Chief Ogba Nwokoro President General Item Development Association, Dr. Emeka Nwachukwu, Prof. Victor Ukaogo, Chief Daniel Akwari and other dignitaries.