The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has distributed free educational materials to primary and secondary schools in Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State. The lawmaker, who is serving his second term and recently secured the APC ticket for the 2027 election, provided the items to 26 schools under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Support Programme for Education.
Donated Items Address Learning Challenges
The donated materials included 1,000 chairs and desks, 8,000 school bags, 10,000 textbooks and exercise books, and 100 whiteboards. The intervention aims to solve problems such as students sitting on bare floors and the lack of basic learning resources.
Initiative Promotes Human Capital Development
The Renewed Hope Support Programme for Education is one of several constituency projects by Kalu to enhance human capital development and youth empowerment in Bende Federal Constituency.
During the distribution ceremony in Bende, Kalu addressed the pupils and teachers, stating that the initiative was driven by a vision for their future. “You are going to be great, greater than me. That’s why we are doing what we are doing today,” he said. He added that President Tinubu is committed to raising a generation grounded in moral values and quality education.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wants you to grow in the knowledge of the Lord and also in what makes life better through education,” Kalu explained.
Programme Encourages Hard Work
Describing the initiative as “Renewed Hope through Education,” the Deputy Speaker said the programme was designed to encourage students to study hard by providing direct support to schools. “We don’t want you to be sitting on the floor again. We don’t want you to be looking for lockers in your school. From now on, you are going to have very beautiful lockers. We will also give you books and bags today,” he assured.
Kalu clarified that the 26 beneficiary schools represent only the first batch, with plans to extend the programme to more schools across the constituency. “We selected 26 schools today and after that, we are going to select another 26 schools. So, you are lucky to be the first batch,” he said.
It would be recalled that some former federal lawmakers had carried out similar interventions in schools within their constituencies, including Hon. Uko Nkole, who represented Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the immediate past House of Representatives.
