In a spectacular display of unity and purpose, the town of Bende in Bende local government area of Abia State bore witness to a momentous occasion on June 1, 2025 as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu inaugurated the members of Renewed Hope Partners (RHP).

This visionary initiative of the Deputy Speaker, conceived to catalyze progress and development, ultimately showcasing the strides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, drew a vast assemblage of supporters and stakeholders from across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State, all united in their quest for a brighter future through a consolidated people-oriented administration

As the ceremony unfolded, the atmosphere was electrified by the palpable enthusiasm and unwavering support of the attendees.

The occasion drew a sea of faces, with over 20,000 attendees comprising esteemed members of the National Assembly, heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), respected clergy members, traditional rulers, women, youths, and community leaders.

Notable figures in attendance included the representation of the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, by Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, alongside Abia APC Chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, and the Federal Commissioner Pastor Emma Trump Eke, among other dignitaries.

The inauguration ceremony was a kaleidoscope of vibrant cultural displays, with traditional dancers and musicians adding a festive touch to the proceedings.

Attendees were visibly exhilarated, with many expressing profound gratitude to Kalu for conceptualizing the groundbreaking initiative.

The impressive gathering of people underscored the widespread support for not just only the RHP initiative but also the visioner and convener, Kalu. Their presence also lent weight to the event, accentuating the significance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

In his address, Kalu eloquently articulated the imperative of collective action in driving transformative change and propagating the gospel of Renewed Hope.

He chronicled the achievements of President Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting the strides made so far on the economy.

The Deputy Speaker revealed that 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.

Inflation, he emphasized, has dropped from 34.6% to 23.71% by May 2025, with food prices declining by over 25% in the first quarter of 2025 just as 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.

For Kalu, other remarkable signature milestones  of the President in line with his Renewed Hope mantra in the last two years of transforming Nigeria’s landscape included uninterrupted academic sessions devoid of strikes; support for indignant  students through the tudents Loan Access Funds; expansion of healthcare; revamping primary healthcare with the release of over N250 billion to States to revive primary health centers, and 8,000 new centers built across 774 LGAs; and emphasis on regional development with the creation of regional development commissions.

Yet, more accomplishments are: the addition of over 1,500MW of electricity to the national grid to boost electricity; infrastructural developments, chief of them being the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway; the rural electrification projects, tax reform and many more.

Kalu said: “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.

“International agencies Fitch and S&P Global upgraded Nigeria to a Stable B outlook, reflecting growing global confidence in our economy.

“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”.

Also, the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) is a long-awaited initiative that marks a new era of inclusion and progress for the South East region for which the Deputy Speaker surely believes will rebuild the zone and provide the necessary infrastructure.

“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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the South East Development Commission has not only been established but is fully operational, with a confirmed board and leadership at its helm.

“I am deeply humbled to have played a role in this transformation, having championed the bill that made the Commission a reality. This is more than policy; it is a message of healing and hope, a declaration that the days of marginalization are behind us. The Triple Rs; Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction, are no longer distant ideals; they are the foundation of

a new era for our people. As our people say, “The snake in the grass has been named; it can no longer strike unseen.” The wounds of the past have been named and addressed”, he said.

With eloquence and conviction, the Deputy Speaker also underscored the Renewed Hope Partners’ mission to foster synergy, innovation, and collaboration among stakeholders, thereby unlocking opportunities for growth and addressing pressing challenges.

To the newly inaugurated members, Kalu emphasized their crucial role in sustaining the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and carrying the message of progress to every community.

“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.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a distant vision; it is here, it is real, and it is now. The progress we celebrate today is born of collective sacrifice, visionary leadership, and the enduring faith of the Nigerian people.

As we move forward, let us remember that hope is not a wish; it is a decision.

Progress is not an accident; it is the result of unity, resilience, and courage. Our task is not finished, this is just the beginning. So let us go forth together, united in purpose, unwavering in hope, and unyielding in our resolve to build a Nigeria where every dream finds a place, and every citizen shares in the promise of prosperity”, Kalu said.

Representing their various agencies, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. NkirukaMaduekwe; the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, CREDICORP, Engineer UzomaNwagba and the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta highlighted the intervention of the federal government in the South East, urging RHP members to support President Tinubu.

Similarly, the Executive Director of Agric and Rural Development at SEDC, Dr. Cliff Ogbede representing Managing Director Mark Okoye, expressed optimism that the commission will positively impact the region’s development.

In their separate remarks, APC scribes, Chief Emma Eneukwu and Dr. Ononogbu lauded President Tinubu’s achievements, noting the significant milestones. They urged for continued support from the zone, acknowledging the President’s efforts.

Also, the Federal Commissioner, Pastor Emma Trump Eke noted that the RHP has revitalized patriotism, inspiring a renewed sense of national pride and unity.

“Renewed Hope Partners seeks to rekindle the spirit of nationalism, and political integration of the South East back to politics of the Centre, instead self of politics of self marginalisation.

“Renewed Hope Partners seeks to rechannel the youthful energy abundant in the South East region to a more productive ventures by engaging them in positive political discourse as it concerns their future.

“Flowing from the verifiable midterm score card of our dear President and his economic we can bold assert unequivocally that our Country Nigeria is on the path of economic recovery and a brighter future.

“As we gather here today, we are not just witnesses to history; we are active participants in shaping the future of our great nation. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Rt. Hon. Benjamin OkezieKalu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our region.

“To our esteemed guests, I welcome you to this auspicious occasion and invite you to join us in shaping the future of our nation. Let us work together to build a Nigeria that is inclusive, prosperous, and just for all”, Eke said.

The triumphant inauguration of the Renewed Hope Partners has set the stage for a new era of collaboration and progress. It has garnered significant attention and support from across the state, with many hailing it as a game-changer for the region.

In the coming months, stakeholders will however work assiduously to implement the Renewed Hope Partners’ objectives, leveraging their collective energy and creativity to drive progress, more so, with the defection of many members of Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the event.

With Deputy Speaker at the helm, the initiative is well-positioned to deliver on its agenda.