writes that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in a bid to ensure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 recently inaugurated new members of the Renewed Hope Partners in Abia State.

On June 1, 2025, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State shined brightly as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu inaugurated over 20,000 new members of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP).

Yellow, which depicts optimism, joy, sunshine, warmth and energy was unmistakably, the colour of the day as the jubilant people of Abia state who turned up for the epoch making event were cladded in yellow outfits.

Kalu had chosen well the color yellow because it signifies the transformation ‘Renewed Hope’ blueprint of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration has brought to the country, especially in the once ‘forsaken’ South-east geopolitical zone.

It will be recalled that the Deputy Speaker in April unveiled the RHP office in Umuahia, the Abia State capital to propagate the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, and align the South East region with the centre.

Hence, it is often said that the ‘reward for hard work is more work’, this initiative is well intended to reward the President with more work to continue in office from 2027 to 2031, having worked so hard from 2023 to date.

The event held at Bende LGA football field, had in attendance dignitaries, eminent personalities from all walks of life, indigenes from all senatorial districts of the state and non-indigenes who came to declare support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The historic function also featured defection of many members of Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as presentations from some heads of federal agencies and parastatals who testified to the positive reforms of  PresidentTinubu.

Speaking at the event, Kalu emphasized that the agenda is not just a slogan but a comprehensive blueprint for Nigeria’s progress.

He noted that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria has recorded notable achievements, including a 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024, with annual growth rising to 3.40% in 2024 from 2.74% in 2023.

Kalu also noted that inflation has dropped from 34.6% to 23.71% by May 2025, with food prices declining by over 25% in the first quarter of 2025.

He further noted that the administration has also unified the FX market, reduced arbitrage, and boosted investor confidence, stressing that Nigeria’s trade surplus also reached N3.42 trillion ($2.25 billion) in Q4 2024, driven by increased exports.

His words: “Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has implemented bold reforms and policies that are already reshaping Nigeria’s future. The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a comprehensive blueprint for economic revitalisation, social welfare, security, and national development. The removal of fuel subsidies has freed up resources for critical sectors, resulting in a 50% reduction in petrol importation and a doubling of government revenues to over N9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year.

“The unification of the FX market has reduced arbitrage, increased

transparency, and boosted investor confidence. Nigeria’s economy recorded a 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024, with annual growth rising to 3.40% in 2024 from 2.74% in 2023. Through targeted interventions, inflation has dropped from 34.6% to 23.71% by May 2025, with food prices for staples like rice, maize, and sorghum declining by over 25% in the first quarter of 2025.

“The launch of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP)

with over N200 billion in funding is set to bring consumer credit to 50% of Nigeria’s working population by 2030, empowering citizens to access essential goods and services. Nigeria achieved a trade surplus of N3.42 trillion ($2.25 billion) in Q4 2024,

driven by increased exports.

“In infrastructure, over 260 new road projects worth N208 billion have commenced, with major works ongoing on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund supports these transformative projects. The Renewed Hope City and Estate project also aims to deliver 100,000 housing units nationwide, with special attention to the needs of low and middle-income Nigerian families”.

Kalu highlighted the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), saying it’s a long-awaited initiative that marks a new era of inclusion and progress for the region.

He urged the newly inaugurated Renewed Hope Partners to play a crucial role in sustaining the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda and carrying the message of progress to every community.

“For the South East, this moment marks the end of a long wait. Nearly 50 years since the civil war, we can now say with pride that the federal government has finally made good on its promise of inclusion. Under President Tinubu, the South East Development Commission has not only been established but is fully operational, with a confirmed board and leadership at its helm.

“Today, as we inaugurate over 20,000 new Renewed Hope Partners, we are empowering a formidable network of grassroots ambassadors. You are the bridge between government and the people, the voice of the Renewed Hope Agenda in every ward, community, and polling unit across Abia State and beyond. Your mandate is clear: deepen grassroots engagement and ensure that the benefits of national reforms are felt in every household; serve as champions of unity, inclusion, and national development; mobilize support for the Renewed Hope vision as we prepare for the future, including the 2027 elections,” Kalu said.

The dignitaries including, the party’s leadership, National Assembly leadership,  and several others in their remarks attested to President Tinubu’s reforms since assuming office as President and as well commended the Deputy Speaker for the laudable initiative.

They all expressed optimism that the President will emerge victorius come 2027, getting a great percentage of the votes from the South East region.

In his remarks, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as pivotal in revitalizing Nigeria’s economy.

Ononogbu said the nation’s economy is beginning to show signs of improvement due to President Tinubu’s policies.

He highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates as key policy decisions that have earned the commendation of international organizations such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to him, these reforms have significantly increased government revenue, thereby facilitating massive federal infrastructure projects across the country.

Ononogbu urged members of the Renewed Hope Partners in Abia to work in synergy with the APC to educate Nigerians on the achievements of the Tinubu administration. He also called on estranged APC members in the state to return and support the party, stressing the importance of unity in achieving both state and national goals.

“We must work together to spread the Renewed Hope message, ensure the re-election of President Tinubu, and reposition the APC to take over the government of Abia State,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the South East Development Commission (SEDC),

Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Rural Development, Dr. Cliff Ogbede said the Renewed Hope Partnership aligns strongly with the vision of SEDC driving people-centered development and strengthening collaboration across all levels of leadership to uplift our communities.

He said, “As we move forward, we remain committed to meaningful engagement and tangible progress for the people of the Southeast. SEDC would make provision for more food in our region to feed our People. We would create an innovation hub for the youths, we don’t need to leave our region anymore, we will stay in the south east and develop it. The president has given us the mandate to go and develop our region.”

Also, DrNkeiruMaduekwe, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat in Nigeria, said, “I thank your Excellency again for the privilege and opportunity to share what Mr president has been doing in climate change space, chairman of the national council of climate change, the vice president and also the vice chairman of the national council of climate change. I need to share a bit of light of what all these climate change is about. I want to thank the government of Nigeria, because of how important climate change is, that is why Mrpresident is the chairman of the council and the vice president is the vice chairman. That is why that council has all the relevant ministers as members of that council. Minister of finance, justice, environment, work, transportation, agriculture, livestock, steel development and solid minerals, women affairs. I want to say that it’s not because of anything. I thank His excellency RT. Hon. Benjamin Kalu whose legislative support overtime has framed a positive enablement for national pursuit of climate resilient programs. This he started even as a first time lawmaker in the 9th assembly where he sponsored the very first motion on climate change. Which focuses on addressing the erosion which has caused environmental degradation and affected livelihood in his constituency.

On his part, CEO of Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, Engr. UzomahNwagba said, “You are a big brother to all of us young appointees of the southeast and I will be remiss not to acknowledge the work that you’re doing for us but what we remember you most for is that the southeast relationship with the Federal Government historically has been alot about being sidelined, the perception of us being on the sidelines there’s a wall between the Federal Government and the southeast but you have been deliberate about breaking down that wall and building a bridge instead, with the PI stream program focusing on east and now on development, you are instrumental to the development of the southeast development commission which credit corp will be partnering very closely with to bring the work and the benefits of the Federal Government to the southeast. There is no point us feeling at antagonistic to the Federal Government because we are up and well and we thank you for that work. President Tinubu set up credit Corp, Nigerian consumer credit corporation just for one thing alone to enable all Nigerians have a better work, that means that you’re into credit, if you’re into any form of micro enterprise, I am talking about micro enterprise because of the southeast but most people who also want to have lifestyle thing.”

The above is just to mention but a few, and the initiative has since then received the blessing and endorsement of so many stakeholders who have paid courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker, declaring their support in galvanising votes for President Tinubu’s re-election.

They include, Forum of Former Local Government chairmen, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. UcheOgah, and so many others.

In their remarks, the South East Forum of Former Local Government Chairmen, led by the former chairman of Umunneochi Local Government of Abia State, Dr. Frank Osita, said that are ready to mobilize support across the state for the President.

They also commended the Deputy Speaker for his achievements at the legislature and for setting up the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) meant to showcase the legacies of the President.

Speaking on their behalf, Osita said: “It is my great pleasure to present your former colleagues to you. We have come to identify with you. We have come under the umbrella of south east forum of former local government chairmen, a strategic platform designed to unite former grassroots leaders from the region. With you here is just the Abia State Chapter.

“Recognizing the crucial role we play as local government chairmen and continue to play in community mobilization in governance and development at grassroots level, this forum seeks to harness our collective experiences, influence and network for greater good of the region. At the heart of our mission is a renewed commitment to align the South-East with the opportunities embedded in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.”

Also, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. UcheOgah, pledged to join forces with the Deputy Speaker in support of President Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.

Paying Kalu a visit at the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) office in Umuahia, Ogah who is also the Chairman of Master Energy Oil applauded the Deputy Speaker for his legislative legacies especially in sponsoring the bill that established the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

Ogah said: “My brother and friend, we have always worked together and here today, I have come to join forces with you to see that Renewed Hope Partners is a success in Abia State. We will do everything within our capacity, everything within the corridors of the people we work with, everything within our communities using all the social capitals that we have to see that this renewed hope partnership is a success. When the two of us are united with everyone here, we all have a part to play; I can tell you the president should go and sleep. We will put in everything we have including our resources. It’s a team work and I can tell you that we have a structure and when we come out to support anybody, that structure will give you victory.”