by Uchechukwu Okoroafor, Abuja
In the face of escalating insecurity and its devastating impact on South East Nigeria, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has risen as a beacon of hope.
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His Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) stands as a testament to his commitment to restoring peace, healing wounds, and fostering unity in a region plagued by violence.
With substantial financial support and relief materials provided to victims of insecurity—particularly families of fallen security officers—Hon. Kalu’s efforts highlight the power of leadership rooted in compassion and vision.
We hail his exceptional contributions and call on individuals, organizations, and governments to rally around the Peace In South East Project to collectively pursue peace and prosperity in the South East.
A lifeline for victims of insecurity PISE-P has disbursed a remarkable N37 million alongside food items and other essentials to support families affected by the violence. Security operatives, who often put their lives on the line for the safety of others, are among the primary beneficiaries of this initiative. Families of slain security personnel in states like Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu have received both financial and emotional support. This project extends beyond monetary aid; it sends a message of solidarity.
Families of fallen heroes—such as the widows who received N1 million each during the Anambra outreach—now have tangible proof that their loved ones’ sacrifices are not forgotten. Injured officers like Inspector Sunday Eze, who received N200,000 for hospital bills, are reminded that their service is appreciated.
Kalu’s initiative is a rare blend of compassion and strategic vision. It recognizes the ripple effect of insecurity: the emotional toll on families, the disruption to livelihoods, and the eroded trust in institutions. By addressing these issues, Kalu is not just providing relief but also helping rebuild confidence in governance and security agencies.
His leadership has earned widespread commendation, including from the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, and the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor. Both officials have noted how PISE-P complements ongoing efforts by the state government and other agencies to restore peace.
While the initiative is rooted in addressing insecurity in the South East, it is poised to extend its reach to other parts of Nigeria facing similar challenges. This broader vision underscores the universality of Kalu’s mission: to foster peace, one family, one community, and one state at a time.
The success of PISE-P serves as a blueprint for similar efforts across the country, encouraging individuals and organizations to contribute to healing and nation-building.
The success of any peace initiative requires collaboration. As the Commissioner of Police aptly noted, security is a shared responsibility between the government and the citizenry. Communities must actively engage in these efforts, from reporting threats to supporting the families of security operatives. Moreover, state and federal governments must institutionalize and scale such initiatives.
The Enugu State government’s expressed willingness to support PISE-P is a positive step, and other states in the region should follow suit. Corporate entities and civil society organizations also have a crucial role to play in providing financial and logistical support.
The South East has suffered economically and socially due to insecurity. Market closures, abandoned farmlands, and disrupted trade routes are only a few consequences. Supporting peace initiatives like PISE-P helps stabilize the region, paving the way for economic recovery. Security operatives risk their lives to protect others. Their sacrifices deserve not just recognition but actionable support. By joining PISE-P, citizens and organizations affirm the value of these sacrifices and strengthen morale within the security forces.
Families of victims often struggle with grief and financial instability. Initiatives like PISE-P provide not just material relief but also emotional healing, showing these families that they are not alone.
Peace projects foster dialogue and cooperation across political, ethnic, and social divides. In a region often fragmented by differences, such unity is essential for long-term stability.
Benjamin Kalu’s Peace In South East Project has set a powerful example, but it cannot succeed in isolation. All hands must be on deck to ensure the project’s sustainability and expansion. Local, state, and federal governments must integrate similar initiatives into their security and welfare frameworks. Companies operating in the region should allocate part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets to support PISE-P.
Traditional leaders, youth groups, and faith-based organizations should work alongside PISE-P to promote peace and reconciliation at the grassroots level. Well-meaning Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, can contribute financially or volunteer their time to support the initiative.
Benjamin Kalu has not just initiated a peace project; he has ignited hope. His vision transcends immediate relief, aiming instead to rebuild a region that has long been a beacon of resilience and enterprise in Nigeria. By providing for the families of security operatives and other victims, he is reminding the South East—and indeed the entire nation—that peace is possible when compassion meets action.
As PISE-P prepares to expand its reach beyond the South East, it carries with it the promise of healing and prosperity for all. This is a call for every Nigerian to join hands with Hon. Kalu, to invest in peace, and to build a future where insecurity is a thing of the past.
Together, we can ensure that the sacrifices of today lay the foundation for a united, thriving tomorrow.