Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is preparing to launch a national unemployment benefits scheme. This initiative is designed to provide a safety net for jobless Nigerian youth amidst ongoing economic challenges.
Major Announcements at Abia Town Hall Meeting
The disclosure was made during a town hall meeting organized by the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Bende, Abia State. Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, used the platform to unveil significant economic interventions for his constituency and the state at large.
He revealed a substantial N1 billion support package aimed at empowering 2,000 small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across Abia State. According to the plan, each qualifying business will receive an initial sum of about N500,000.
Partnerships and Implementation Strategy
Kalu outlined that the SME fund would be implemented in collaboration with key financial and development institutions. He named partners including the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and the Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP).
"We are going to support 2,000 businesses with N1 billion across the entire Abia State," Kalu stated. "From there, we will invite the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, SMEDAN, CREDICORP and others to partner with us and match our fund."
He instructed the Director-General of the Benjamin Kalu Movement, Pastor Emma Trumps Eke, to identify and structure eligible businesses ahead of the empowerment exercise, scheduled for the first quarter of next year.
Immediate Palliatives and Past Interventions
At the same event, the Deputy Speaker distributed immediate relief, including:
- Trailer loads of rice and other food items.
- N100 million in cash to over 100 churches, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and various support groups.
He explained this was part of efforts to bolster party structures and assist vulnerable groups. Kalu also recalled that about six months prior, he had donated N500 million through the Renewed Hope Partners to support businesses in Abia State.
Highlighting the rationale for focusing on Abia, Kalu described the state as enterprising with a large population of traders and business people. The intervention is designed to stimulate local economic development and enhance productivity.
Legislative Performance and Call for Support
Kalu took the opportunity to detail his legislative achievements, noting he had sponsored 127 bills in the last two years covering governance, inclusion, infrastructure, security, and economic reforms. He also listed over 50 constituency projects executed or ongoing across Bende's 13 electoral wards.
Beyond infrastructure, he stated that over 150 constituents had benefited from employment facilitation, scholarships, and overseas training, while about 1,600 individuals accessed the Benjamin Kalu Grants.
The Deputy Speaker commended President Tinubu for what he termed bold economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, which he said saved over $10 billion in 2023, fiscal and tax reforms, and efforts to improve power and food security.
He passionately urged Nigerians to remain patient and continue supporting the administration. "I ask you today: Support President Tinubu. Support our party, the All Progressives Congress. Support the Renewed Hope Agenda," Kalu appealed. "We are not just rebuilding a country; we are building a legacy for our children."
Kalu assured the public that both the legislature and the executive are working tirelessly, driven by the conviction that Nigeria's best days lie ahead.
