In his commitment towards regional development, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, hosted a delegation from the Institute for Peace, Security and Development Studies (IPSDC) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Led by their Co-Chairman, Chief Chikwe Udensi, the delegation’s courtesy visit was a platform to discuss strategies for revitalizing Nigeria’s South East Region.
During the meeting, Kalu lauded the IPSDC’s commitment and collaboration with the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a non-political initiative employing non-kinetic approaches to resolve the region’s challenges. This collaboration aims to address the socio-economic and infrastructural deficits exacerbated by the Nigerian Civil War, which ended over fifty years ago.
A focal point of the discussion was the South East Development Commission Bill, a proposed legislation spearheaded by Kalu. This bill, which recently passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate, is poised to create a commission dedicated to the sustainable development of the South East. The Deputy Speaker expressed optimism that once transmitted and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the bill would act as a catalyst for stability, peace, and prosperity not only in the South East but across Nigeria.
The proposed South East Development Commission (SEDC) is envisioned to address numerous issues. It aims to facilitate projects in transportation, health, education, employment, agriculture, industrialization, housing, urban development, water supply, electricity, and telecommunications. Additionally, the commission will tackle ecological and environmental problems resulting from mineral extraction and oil exploration, advising on pollution control and prevention.
Kalu emphasized that the establishment of the SEDC would significantly impact job creation, business opportunities, and infrastructure development in the South East. He noted that the passage of the bill represents a collective effort by South East legislators and key stakeholders, underlining a shared commitment to the region’s rejuvenation.
Furthermore, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the importance of inclusive development and political stability. He underscored that the bill’s passage aligns with the broader objectives of the PISE-P initiative, which seeks to promote peace and security through non-violent means. By fostering economic empowerment and integration, the SEDC aims to mitigate the root causes of unrest and build a more cohesive society.
Kalu expressed gratitude to the Senate and House of Representatives for their support in passing the bill. He also commended President Tinubu’s leadership and anticipated his assent to the bill, which would mark a pivotal moment for the South East’s development trajectory. The Deputy Speaker called on all Nigerians to support the government’s efforts in achieving equitable development across all regions.
The visit by the IPSDC and the ongoing legislative efforts signal a concerted drive towards addressing historical grievances and fostering a new era of development in the South East. With the anticipated establishment of the SEDC, there is renewed hope for economic revitalization and long-term stability in the region.
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