In a bold move to boost economic growth and deepen grassroots development in Abia State, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has unveiled plans to roll out ₦1 billion grant scheme to support 2,000 Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) across the state.
This is coming as a relief to small businesses that have suffered set backs in the past due to economic down turn.
Speaking during the Renewed Hope Town Hall Meeting and Christmas Food Distribution organised by the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Kalu disclosed that the initiative was designed to up economic developments
in the state, which is known for its enterprise, and renowned for its large population of traders and small business owners.
He explained that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises taking the dividends of good governance to the grassroots.
In his words, “Small businesses that are wondering how they will cope next year, we are giving them a little hope with these grants to support their various businesses. These businesses will be selected from all parts of Abia State. Our intention is to show that the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda are felt at the grassroots. We cannot sit in Abuja and forget the people at the grassroots”, he hinted.
He added that beyond food distribution, the Renewed Hope Partners would roll out massive empowerment programmes from the first quarter of 2026, focusing on sustainable economic support rather than short-term relief.
Recalling earlier interventions, Kalu noted that only a few months ago, the Renewed Hope Partners programme disbursed ₦500 million to support Abia residents in their businesses, stressing that the new ₦1 billion package is a continuation of efforts to strengthen the local economy.
The Deputy Speaker further revealed that the programme will partner with key financial and development institutions, including the Bank of Industry (BoI), Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and the Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), to potentially expand the funding pool beyond ₦1 billion.
“If my office is bringing ₦1 billion, I am confident these agencies will also support and match our funds.
“By February, we may have more than ₦1 billion to give out because Abia is truly an enterprising state”.
The Reps Deputy Speaker, however, directed that the Director-General of the Benjamin Kalu Movement (BKM), Pastor Emma Trumps Eke, to immediately commence the process of identifying and structuring 2,000 eligible SMEs across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
He instructed prospective beneficiaries to obtain application forms from the Renewed Hope Office on Ojike Lane, Umuahia, and return them within 30 days.
Each selected business, he said, is expected to receive an initial grant of about ₦500,000, with opportunities for further support through partner institutions.
Reaffirming the President Tinubu’s commitment to grassroot empowerment, Kalu disclosed that the programme reflects the core vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda, to consistently give hope, support livelihoods and stimulate sustainable economic development among ordinary Nigerians, which he stated is the dream of the nation’s President.
Rt Hon Kalu further announced that soon, the program would be extended to other parts of the South East region and Nigeria at large
