...launch Renewed Hope Partners in Abia
By Gloria Ikibah
The Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. HonThe Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called on the South East to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing to what he described as clear gains in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and education. 
Speaking at the launch of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Ukwa West, which also kicked off the programme across all 17 local government areas of Abia State, Kalu listed the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), the revival of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line, and new gas pipeline projects as major milestones.
He noted that the compressed natural gas initiative could save Nigeria over N2 trillion monthly in fuel costs, while ongoing support for farmers through fertiliser and mechanised tools showed tangible results at the grassroots.
Kalu urged continued regional support for Tinubu’s administration ahead of 2027, adding that new Renewed Hope Councils would soon be set up in every local government area to fast-track federal projects and strengthen local development.
He said: “The story of the South-East is changing and it is changing for good. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our region is beginning to feel the touch of inclusion, investment, and renewed hope. From infrastructure to appointments, from industry to innovation, this administration is deliberately ensuring that the South-East takes its rightful place in the national journey of growth.
“Let me now highlight some of the concrete steps this administration has taken that speak to the renewed commitment to the South-East and its people.
“Regional Growth Drive & Infrastructure South East Development Commission (SEDC) was fully established (July 2024) with a governing board and management team. SEDC will drive a $1 billion regional asset base under the “Triple-R” agenda.
“President Tinubu approved the N150 billion South-East Investment Company (SEIC) under the SEDC to fast-track industrialisation across the region. The Eastern Rail Line (Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor): connecting Aba,-Onitsha, Enugu and Nsukka, expected to unlock over ₦50 billion annual trade.
“The Lekki-Aba–Onitsha–Maiduguri Road Corridor under federal focus are for logistics and commerce.
“Federal housing under Renewed Hope Cities & Estates. Abia’s site is located in Bende, part of the 100,000 homes nationwide.
“The development of the Anambra Gas Basin, under active federal supervision, has the potential to make Anambra and Abia energy hubs.
“AHL and ANOH Gas Processing Plants expansion in Imo State with 23.3km ANOH–OB3 pipeline, adding 500 million scf/day (≈ 25% increase in national gas supply). NCDMB NOGaPS Industrial Parks are operational in Abia and Imo, enabling local manufacturing of oil & gas equipment.
“Roll-out of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative across Onitsha–Aba–Enugu transport routes.”
Deputy Speaker revealed that the Federal Government has set aside land in Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu States as part of its 10-million-hectare national food security drive. He noted ongoing partnerships with the United States, Belarus, and Brazil to strengthen fertiliser supply and mechanisation for cassava, rice, and palm oil production across the region.
Kalu also stated that N45.6 billion in student loans has already been disbursed to learners from the South East, with an additional N50 billion set to be released from recovered funds to further support education and human capital development.
“Other notable achievements of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the South East include the establishment of the South East Development Commission with a $1 billion regional asset base, the Eastern Rail Line connecting Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, and Nsukka, and the Anambra Gas Basin development.
“Additionally, the Federal Government has allocated land in Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu for large-scale farming and provided
N45.6 billion in student loans to South East students.
He urged the people of the South East to embrace the opportunities offered by the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing the need for unity and collective effort in building a stronger future for both the region and the nation.
So far, Kalu has launched the Renewed Hope Partners initiative in Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Ugwunagbo, Osisioma, and Obingwa local government areas of Abia State, where he inaugurated local officers and shared his message of optimism and inclusion with enthusiastic supporters.
