Kalu Unveils N1bn SME Support Scheme, Distributes Food, Cash in Abia
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has announced a ₦1 billion support package to boost small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) across Abia State.
He made the announcement during a town hall meeting of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Bende Local Government Area, where he also distributed trailer loads of rice, other food items and ₦100 million in cash to churches, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and support groups.
Kalu said the intervention would benefit 2,000 small businesses across the 17 local government areas of the state, describing it as part of efforts to stimulate grassroots economic growth.
He explained that the programme would be implemented in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, SMEDAN and the Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) to expand access to funding.
The Deputy Speaker recalled that a similar ₦500 million intervention was carried out months ago and directed the Director General of the Benjamin Kalu Movement, Pastor Emma Trumps Eke to begin the process of identifying 2,000 beneficiaries ahead of a major empowerment exercise scheduled for early next year.
According to him, each beneficiary is expected to receive about ₦500,000, with application forms obtainable at the Renewed Hope Office in Umuahia within 30 days.
Kalu also highlighted his legislative record, noting that he has sponsored 127 bills in two years, covering governance, security, infrastructure and economic reforms, including the South-East Development Commission Act.
He listed completed and ongoing constituency projects across Bende, including schools, ICT centres, health facilities, roads, water projects, electricity restoration and agricultural processing centres.
The Deputy Speaker commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and reforms in the economy, power sector, education, security and social welfare.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, assuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda is laying a strong foundation for national growth and prosperity.
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