As the new year 2020 arrived in style, Hon Ben Kalu representing Bende Federal Constituency embarked on series of visitations as part of his representative function in the Federal House of Representatives.
He visited communities, individuals belonging to other parties such as the PDP and institutions domiciled in enclaves controlled by other parties.
In a clear demonstration of politics without bitterness, Hon Ben Kalu visited with his entourage Chief Chinedu Ndubuisi, Ijiriji Bende, PDP member representing Bende South state constituency, Hon. Uko Nkole (PDP, Arochkwu/Ohafia) in the House of Representatives and also visited the amiable Vice Chancellor, Micheal Okpara University Umudike.
At Uzuakoli where he visited Ijiriji Bende, he extended his hand of fellowship and brotherhood to his host in a bid to strike a strategic partnership and synergy to advance his well articulated Bende Agenda. He spoke at length on his vision and perspective of a NEW BENDE where belonging to different political parties should not hinder cooperation and Community development. He reminded his host of his recent visit to the state governor with the new NDDC MD demonstrate that party affiliation should promote development and not hinder it. His host responded in like manner filled with appreciation and commitment to push Bende to the next level.
At Ozu-Abam, Hon Ben Kalu commiserated with his colleague Hon. Nkole who recently lost the father. Both legislators pledged their commitment to work for the development of old Bende irrespective of their political leanings. They both agreed that brotherhood should in their case fuel development.
The visit to Umudike was more elaborate and particularly ceremonial with all the manifest trappings of a big event. Hon. Ben Kalu’s mission was to create a working relationship between Bende Federal Constituency and the institution. This was in the area of strategic partnership in the production of Bende rice and Bende oil.
It will be recalled Abia State foray into rice production is fuelled by farmers in Bende. It becomes only natural that forward looking and thinking leaders could exploit this situation to create employment and contentment for their people. Hon. Ben Kalu and his team reasoned that with a federal institution of agriculture, the possibility of extensive rice production in the constituency is a done deal.
The VC, Prof. Otunta filled with gratitude and zeal bought into the arrangements and demonstrated willingness, commitment and capacity for the commencement of the rice project. The VC expressed readiness for the partnership and informed the visitors of the oil palm plantation in Uzuakoli created and managed by the university. He requested the Honorable member to use his office to provide security for the farm since it is located and domiciled in his constituency. Hon. Kalu responded positively.
In deep appreciation, the university inducted five members of the team into University community as life members. Those inducted were Hon. Ben Kalu, Prof. Victor Ukaogo, Chief Ikenna Ariwodo, Chief Daniel Akwari and Lady Phil Ikwegbu.
