The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will soon introduce an unemployment benefits scheme to support Nigerian youths facing joblessness. The announcement came during a town hall meeting organized by the Renewed Hope Partners in Bende, Abia State. Alongside the new social protection initiative, Kalu revealed a N1 billion empowerment package targeting 2,000 small and medium-scale enterprises across the state.
According to Kalu, the unemployment benefits programme is part of a wider set of social welfare measures designed by the Tinubu administration to alleviate economic challenges and improve livelihoods for young Nigerians. He highlighted that these interventions are intended to complement ongoing government efforts to enhance social protection, access to credit, and economic participation at the grassroots level.
Speaking to attendees, Kalu emphasized that the administration is actively working on multiple initiatives for the benefit of citizens. He noted that the N1 billion SME empowerment will span all 17 local government areas in Abia State, with each business receiving an initial N500,000. The programme will be implemented in collaboration with key financial institutions, including the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, SMEDAN, and the Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation, all of which are expected to contribute matching funds.
Past support efforts by Kalu underscore his commitment to local enterprise development. Six months earlier, he had distributed N500 million through the Renewed Hope Partners to support businesses across Abia. For the upcoming programme, the Director-General of the Benjamin Kalu Movement, Pastor Emma Trumps Eke, has been tasked with identifying eligible businesses and ensuring they are properly structured ahead of disbursement.
Kalu described Abia as a highly enterprising state with many traders and small business owners, noting that the empowerment scheme will strengthen productivity and economic growth at the community level. He added that these interventions complement broader government priorities of skill development, business support, and financial inclusion.
During the town hall, Kalu also reflected on his legislative contributions, mentioning that he sponsored 127 bills over the past two years covering governance, inclusion, infrastructure, security, and economic reforms. He reported that more than 50 constituency projects are either completed or underway in Bende, including schools, ICT centres, health facilities, roads, water projects, electricity restoration, agricultural processing centres, and skills acquisition facilities.
Beyond infrastructure, Kalu revealed that over 150 constituents have benefited from employment facilitation, scholarships, and overseas training, while around 1,600 individuals accessed Benjamin Kalu Grants. He reiterated that his office remains committed to delivering tangible and sustainable projects that empower local communities.
Kalu also commended President Tinubu for his economic and financial reforms, highlighting initiatives in social protection, power sector improvement, fiscal policies, food security, and national stability. He encouraged Nigerians to support the administration, noting that the country’s progress depends on collaboration between government and citizens.
He concluded by reaffirming his dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda and to working closely with federal authorities to ensure that Abia State and Nigeria benefit fully from ongoing and upcoming economic programmes. Citizens are advised to stay informed through official channels and trusted platforms to access these opportunities safely and effectively.
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