Over 1,200 Rural Residents Benefit as Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu's Grant Kicks Off | SEE PHOTOS

In a powerful display of support for rural communities, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has launched the Family Support Grant for Rural Dwellers in Bende Federal Constituency. The initiative, aimed at providing economic relief and supporting petty trades, kicked off in grand style at Akanu Item, with over 1,200 beneficiaries receiving funds in the initial phase.

The Benjamin Kalu Foundation, which spearheaded this initiative, described the grant as a response to the economic challenges faced by rural communities across Bende. The funds, according to Foundation Director-General Hon. Emma Trumps Eke, are designed to support recipients' small businesses and provide them with a means to sustain their families. "Our goal is to support rural families with funds that can catalyze small trades and farm investments,ÔÇØ Eke explained, adding that the grant will be distributed monthly across all 13 communities in Bende.

The grant distribution process was overseen by community leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from each ward to ensure fairness and transparency. "Each month, beneficiaries are selected by respected community leaders, and the selection rotates to reach different residents,ÔÇØ Eke noted.

The initiative saw heartfelt reactions from beneficiaries, many of whom expressed gratitude for the relief. Lady Philomena Ikwuegu, State Woman Leader of the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, noted the profound impact on recipients. "For many, this support comes at a critical time when daily needs are hard to meet," she said.

Several beneficiaries also shared their plans to invest the funds in small-scale businesses and farming. Mrs. Comfort Chukwu, a farmer, revealed that she would be using her share to increase her farm's output. "This grant will boost my farm's production, and I can ensure more food for my family,ÔÇØ she said gratefully. Another recipient, Mrs. Mba Ijeoma Precious, a petty trader, expressed joy at the support for her business, describing it as a gesture that "knows no political bias.ÔÇØ

Hon. Benjamin Kalu's legislative aides also contributed a portion of their salaries to expand the grant's reach, highlighting the unity and shared purpose of his team. The community-wide effort showcases how Kalu's grant is not only easing economic hardship but also fostering a spirit of collaboration and support within the constituency.

The Deputy Speaker's Family Support Grant is expected to run in phases, with more residents receiving grants in future rounds. Community leaders and beneficiaries alike expressed optimism about the grant's impact, with Prime Minister of Awuja Item Autonomous Community, Chief Ihendu John Ogba, affirming his gratitude: "One good turn deserves another. May Hon. Kalu continue his good work for our people.ÔÇØ