Uchechukwu Okoroafor, Abuja
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has launched the “Food For Peace” initiative which is a pillar of his Peace In South East Project (PISE-P).
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The initiative which was flagged off in Bende local government area of Abia State, falls under the agriculture and food security pillar of PISE-P, captioned: “A Hungry Man is an Angry Man” in recognition of the importance of food in the drive for peace in the region.
The launch witnessed the distribution of food items across the 17 local government areas of Abia State and other areas in the region.
The chief press secretary to the deputy speaker, Livinus Nwabughiogu, said over 6,000 bags of rice, 150 bags of beans, 80 bags of garri, 3000 cartoons of spaghetti, 100 cartoons of vegetable oil, and 3000 pieces of wrappers were distributed to each of the councils.
Nwabughiogu, in a statement made available to parliamentary reporters, said the flag-off also featured the distribution of motorcycles, deep freezers, sewing and grinding machines, large-capacity generators, and pesticide sprinkling kits.
He said other items donated include several pieces of wrapper, sleeping mats, blankets, mosquito nets, children’s clothes, and brocade clothes, recording thousands of beneficiaries.
According to him, Kalu had, before the distribution of the items, met with the coordinators in the state and emphasised the need for peace.
Noting that “a hungry man is an angry man,” he told the people that in the weeks ahead, PISE-P will unveil other phases of the programme which include infrastructural developments to sufficiently better the lot of the citizenry.
The deputy speaker also solicited support for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government, stressing that the south-east stood a chance to benefit immensely.
He said, “It is time for unity; it is time for peace. That is the only way we can rebuild our region: peace and unity. Our hard work will only pay off when we do it in peace and unity. It is a new dawn for the Southeast. The sense of belonging and importance that you need—this is the time to have it.
“Preach the good news for people to draw closer to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He means well for Ndi Igbo. He has shown us love by appointing the Chief of Naval Staff, an Igbo man, to take care of Nigeria’s economy, which is dependent on oil and gas.
“Let us drum support for him. Let us draw closer to the center of leadership by supporting the president. Let us send the message across. Let us all be advocates of peace. It is only when the region is calm that our longing for the release of our brother can take place.
“They relocated Abuja to Bende for the unveiling of the PISE-P. Nnamdi Kanu is from Old Bende. If the President came to Old Bende, that is to tell you I am not afraid of joining hands to work with him.
“How are we playing the ball on our court now that they have passed it to us? The only way we can play it back is to encourage peace to spring up around Abia State and the south-eastern zone,” he said.
In a region plagued by unrest and agitation, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has taken a commendable step towards fostering peace and prosperity.
The recently launched “Food for Peace” initiative, a cornerstone of his Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), demonstrates a visionary, non-kinetic approach to quell violence and bridge the gap of marginalization in South East Nigeria.
Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s initiative stands out not only for its noble intentions but also for its practical and impactful measures. By focusing on the immediate needs of the people, the provision of food becomes a lifeline for communities facing challenges arising from violence and economic instability. This initiative goes beyond mere charity; it is a strategic move to empower individuals and families, offering a sense of security and stability in the face of adversity.
South-East Nigeria has long grappled with grievances rooted in perceived marginalization by the federal government. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s approach is astute, recognizing that addressing these deep-seated issues requires more than just conventional security measures. By providing farming equipment, sewing machines, grinding machines, and power generators, the initiative aims to catalyze economic empowerment. This not only tackles immediate hunger but also addresses the root causes of discontent, offering a pathway for sustainable development.
In a region where the scars of violence are still healing, Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s non-kinetic approach is a breath of fresh air. The “Food for Peace” initiative recognizes that peacebuilding is a multifaceted endeavor. Beyond security forces and law enforcement, it involves empowering communities, restoring a sense of agency, and fostering an environment where economic activities can flourish without fear.
The provision of power generators for small-scale businesses is particularly noteworthy. Many entrepreneurs in the region have faced challenges posed by erratic electricity supply. By addressing this crucial need, Hon. Benjamin Kalu is not just offering a short-term fix but also creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth. This empowerment, in turn, contributes to the larger goal of dismantling the factors that fuel agitation and separatist sentiments.
Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s initiative transcends regional boundaries, serving as a beacon of hope for national unity. By addressing the grievances of South East Nigeria, he sends a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity and equitable development in the nation’s progress. The initiative embodies the spirit of unity, showcasing that collaborative efforts can bridge gaps and pave the way for harmonious coexistence.
Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, deserves commendation for his foresight and commitment to peace in southeast Nigeria. The “Food for Peace” initiative is not just a charitable endeavor; it is a strategic investment in the well-being and empowerment of a region that holds immense potential. As we hail this effort, let it also serve as an inspiration for similar initiatives across the nation, fostering unity, understanding, and collective prosperity.
