The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has unveiled a major financial intervention aimed at boosting small businesses in his home state. He announced a substantial N1 billion Intervention Support Fund specifically for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Abia State.
Massive Financial Boost for Local Businesses
This significant initiative is designed to benefit no fewer than 2,000 businesses spread across all 17 local government areas of Abia State. According to the plan, each qualifying SME will receive an initial disbursement of N500,000 from the fund. The Abia-born lawmaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), revealed this development to journalists while addressing his constituents.
Kalu emphasized that the fund was created in recognition of the numerous enterprising SMEs operating within the state. His primary objectives are to stimulate economic growth and empower the citizenry through direct financial support. To ensure the program's success and expansion, he named several key federal agencies as expected partners, including:
- The Bank of Industry (BOI)
- The Bank of Agriculture (BOA)
- The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)
A Political Invitation to Governor Alex Otti
In a related political development, Deputy Speaker Kalu issued a public invitation to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti of the Labour Party. Kalu stated that if Governor Otti decides to heed his urging and defect to the APC, he would receive the necessary support to secure a second term in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Kalu was firm in his political stance, declaring that he would not stand by as a citizen and allow Abia State to produce another governor who is not a member of the APC. "I want to again publicly invite Governor Alex Otti to join our party and assure him that if he comes to the APC, we will support him," Kalu stated explicitly. This condition links the offer of political backing directly to the governor's party affiliation.
Implications for Abia's Economic and Political Landscape
The announcement, made on January 1, 2026, presents a two-pronged strategy from the Deputy Speaker. Firstly, it addresses a critical need for business capital in a state known for its commerce and entrepreneurship. The injection of N1 billion has the potential to catalyze local economies, create jobs, and strengthen the SME sector, which is the backbone of Nigeria's economy.
Secondly, it introduces a significant political dynamic into the state's future. By setting a condition for his support, Kalu is actively seeking to bring the sitting governor into the fold of the national ruling party. This move could reshape the political alliances in Abia State as the 2027 election cycle approaches. The success of the SME fund and the governor's response to the political overture are now key points of interest for observers of both business and politics in the region.
