… constructs cottage industries
From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Undaunted to end hunger, insecurity and infrastructure deficits in Abia-North, the Senator representing the zone at the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu earned unwavering accolades of his constituents after he distributed over 250, 000 bags of grains, flour and Toyota Hilux vans to communities within the district.
In addition to his food and security interventions, the former Senate Chief Whip has continued to commission more newly completed roads and School infrastructures within Abia-North.
Recall that early this year handed over security patrol vehicles which he personally procured to the Ohafia, Isiukwuato and Igbere, Bende LG Area Commands of the Police force in Abia-North and the Igbere Vigilante group. Admonishing his constituents to shun crimes and other forms of violence the Chairman Senate Committee on Privatisation said the gesture will stem the tide against insecurity.
As a follow-up to tackle hunger occasioned by the Nation’s economic crisis, the former Abia Governor distributed a total of 250, 000 bags of rice beans and garri to his constituents drawn from the five local Government areas.
Seeing the need to execute more infrastructural projects, Kalu has since the beginning of the new year commissioned newly constructed and renovated infrastructures such as schools, roads including a cottage industry.
Some of the notable roads include the completed and delivered long awaited roads located at “Amoba ” , “6km “Itumbuzor”, “Ugwuazo/Akama” , 2km “Uburuihe”, Ndi Inya Abam all in Arochukwu LGA of the Senatorial District.
Others are the Okafia Igbere to Alayi road, The Uzo Ubi Ozara Road Ezeukwu Road all in Bende LGA.
Taking to his official social media page, the Senate Chairman on Privatisation expressed that the roads will aid the massive movement of farm products from the rural to urban areas and equally boost economic activities in their respective areas.
More schools in Abia-North have also been wearing new looks as community dwellers showered accolades on the Lawmaker who they described as “God Sent”.
Kalu who bagged awards on the Best Senator in constituency development twice in a row has continued to build and commission newly built and renovated blocks of classrooms across the Senatorial District.
So far the following schools have been commissioned; Mbala Central School, Lokpanta National School , Nneato Central School all at Umunneochi LGA. At Arochukwu LGA Amaeke Abam Primary School, Ndi Okpo Primary School and May Selessor Primary School Amannagwu Village Arochukwu Town have all been opened up for use.
Other newly completed schools expected to be launched within the month of March and April are: Umuakpa Primary School Item, Alaiyi Community Primary School , Obibia Primary School Itumbuzor; Umuerem Central School ,Central school Amune-Ovim, Amiyi Uhu Central School , Okono Central Primary School, Ndi Ibe Communiy School ,Okagwe Community Primary School all situated at Bende, Isiukwuato and Ohafia local government areas respectively.
Rural industrialisation also caught the attention of the Abia-North Lawmaker, who constructed now functional cassava processing plants in Agbagwu and another Palm oil processing plant in Agboji Abiriba areas of Arochukwu and Bende LGAs accordingly.
The gesture according to the Senator is a consolidatory effort to the over 2000 grain and cassava processing machines which he shared amongst low income farmers last year.
The senator noted that; “The agricultural sector in his constituency experienced a significant boost, leading to increased food production and improved livelihoods for the farmers.”
Kalu’s service delivery has continued to attract accolades amongst community members and stakeholders.
Recently the “Ndi Ibe” Ohafia Development Union in a letter of appreciation, signed by the NDU Secretary-General, Chief (Comr.) Stephen O. Idika, on behalf of the community, NDU applauded the former governor of Abia State for attracting the construction of a block of three-classrooms to Ndi Ibe Community School and for installing solar street lights in strategic locations across the community.
The letter reads in part, “On behalf of the National Executive and the entire members of Ndi Ibe Ohafia Development Union, we hereby formally appreciate your decision to identify and allocate 10 solar-powered lights and a three-classroom block to our community, Ndi Ibe Ohafia, from among the numerous and other bigger communities in Abia North senatorial zone.
“We also appreciate the fact that you did not only allocate these facilities, but also ensured that they are actually installed and constructed in our community.
“Your action has demonstrated and confirmed the love you have for our community. We will forever remain grateful to you.
“The story of the development of the present day Ndi Ibe Ohafia cannot be complete without mentioning your name, as we recall that you were also instrumental to the construction of the asphalt road that passed through our community and the engagement of our sons in governance.
“It is the wish of our community that God will continue to uphold you and give you the wisdom to carry out the plans you have for Abia North senatorial zone.”
With regards to education, Daa Oyidia Ogbonna a good governance advocate thanked Kalu for renovating schools in Ibom Village of Arochukwu. Residents of the village testified that the last time the classrooms at Aggrey Primary School were renovated was during his tenure as governor, and now, under his senatorial leadership, the same classrooms have been refurbished to provide a conducive learning environment for the students.
Ogbonna said that Kalu’s commitment to the community goes beyond just education. In addition to the school renovations, he has also installed solar street lights in the area, though residents note that more lights are needed.
He said; The gesture has been met with gratitude and appreciation from the residents of Ibom village, who see Dr. Kalu as a senator who truly cares about their well-being.