By Pascal Dozie | Nsulu, Abia State
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s deliberate commitment to the development of Nigeria’s Southeast region, particularly Abia State. Kalu made this known on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated Abia Airport in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state.
Describing the project as a landmark development for Abia State, Kalu commended President Tinubu for approving the initiative, which he said reflects the President’s broader vision for infrastructure growth and economic revitalization in the Southeast.
“We are seeing the result of a focused and intentional administration,” Kalu stated. “The President we have today is committed to the development of the Southeast. He has shown this through projects like the Abia airport and the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), which are critical for the advancement of our region.”
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu also pledged parliamentary support to Governor Alex Otti to ensure the swift completion of the airport through adequate budgetary provisions and legislative backing.
Kalu, who represents the Bende Federal Constituency, revealed his active involvement in securing the federal approval for the project. He explained that upon receiving the project letter from federal authorities, he promptly coordinated its delivery to Governor Otti to ensure swift action on the critical infrastructure.
“When the letter arrived, I immediately contacted Hon. Ginger and asked him to take it directly to Governor Otti. This is a testament to our collective commitment to moving Abia State forward,” he explained.
The Deputy Speaker lauded Governor Otti’s vision for development and called for unified efforts among stakeholders to ensure the timely execution of the project. “We will work with you to complete any projects initiated in collaboration with you,” Kalu assured. “Let us all come together to build Abia State.”
The groundbreaking of the Abia airport marks a significant milestone for the state, as it is expected to unlock economic opportunities, attract investments, and improve connectivity for residents and businesses. The project aligns with the federal government’s broader strategy to bridge regional development gaps and address infrastructural deficits across the country.
Observers have noted that the project signals a renewed focus on the Southeast, a region often perceived as underserved in federal infrastructure initiatives. The Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), highlighted by Kalu, is another critical program aimed at addressing the region’s unique economic challenges and fostering sustainable growth.
In his remarks, Kalu emphasized the need for continued cooperation between the federal government, the state government, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that Abia State benefits fully from such developmental projects.
The ceremony was attended by key political figures, traditional rulers, and community leaders, who hailed the project as a turning point for Abia’s infrastructure and economic landscape. The event underscores President Tinubu’s evolving relationship with the Southeast and highlights the region’s growing inclusion in the federal government’s developmental agenda.
