One big lesson from the homecoming reception for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is that “we are better as Nigerians when we stay together.”

The reception was an assemblage of who’s who in Nigeria as guests came from across all multifaceted regions, tribes, religions to the deputy Speaker’s homecoming reception.

Based on the physical turnout of some of the best breeds, most powerful and influential individuals in Nigeria at the event which was held recently at the Bende Sports Arena in the ancient town of Bende, in Abia State, it was proved that indeed Nigeria can remain solidified progressively in peace and unity.

Those in attendance were the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau who was there on behalf of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, along with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

Others present were all the Governors of Southeast, past and present, Traditional Royal fathers, such as the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Chairman of the Occasion), the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto represented by the Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayaro, and Oba Rufus Olarewaju, Ajayi Ogidi Olu Arilewola 11, Oba of Gbomina Ekiti Tapa kingdom, Ekiti State.

The highlight of the event which was organised by the Peace In the Southeast Project (PISE-P) team, in collaboration with the Bende community was the official unveiling of the Peace in the Southeast Project and its eight pillars. PISE-P is a response to the detrimental effects of agitations, economic downturns, and security issues hence the adoption of a multi-stakeholder approach to restore peace and stimulate the region. The Project is an initiative of the members of the 10th National Assembly from the Southeast, led by the Deputy Speaker. The project, which is a transformative five-year initiative, seeks an end to the persistent insecurity in the Southeast.Also, the event witnessed conferment of Chieftaincy titles on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, amongst others.

A thanksgiving service preceded the reception where the presiding Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International in his sermons admonished Igbos to collectively fight to change the narrative of insecurity in the region.

Pastor Eze called for an end to blood spills on the streets of Southeast, and extolled the virtues of the Deputy Speaker for not only driving the PISE-P initiative but also for his enormous contributions to the people of Southeast. He prayed for the return of an enduring peace in the region.

In his address, the Chairman of the occasion and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, praised Kalu for his role in initiating and driving the Southeast project, clarifying that the greatest desire of the people of Southeast is peace. He said: “Peace is the basis of development. Peace and reconciliation start today.”

The revered traditional leader called for a collective effort to end the crises. “We just have to join forces and make things happen. We want peace and reconciliation in Igboland. Our strength is in what we can do for ourselves.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas praised Kalu, his Deputy, for initiating PISE-P describing the project as a “historic and patriotic endeavor.” He said that peace in the South-East was invariably the peace and progress of entire Nigeria; noting that the project was borne out of his deputy’s deep love for the zone and profound concern over the rise of insecurity, “which has cast a dark shadow over the region.”

President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, was also full of praise for the Deputy Speaker. Iwunayanwu, who pledged the commitment of the Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide to PISE-P, thanked President Tinubu and VP Shettima for their disposition toward restoring peace to the South-East. According to him “Ndigbo are not asking for too much but equity and justice.” He then appealed to President Tinubu and his administration to speedily address all the causes of agitation and tension in the South-East to ensure a lasting peace in the region.

In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Kalu said that the PISE-P initiative “ultimately canvasses the adoption of a non-kinetic approach to resolving the problem of insecurity in the zone”, adding that the project was also aimed at promoting reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts. He counseled Igbo youths to renounce violence and embrace peace, promising that the Government would give them attention.”

Also in attendance of the reception were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and other notable figures from various sectors including Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All-Progressive Congress, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, and past and present members of the National and State Assemblies.

The gathering also included successful business magnates such as Mr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace, Oil and Energy Magnet, Chief Emeka Offor, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airline, Chief SC Okafor, Chairman and founder of Chicason Group of companies, Dr. Godbless Iruani, Owner of Azikel Group, the Managing Director of Nepal Energies, Ngozi Ekeoma, Chief Atan Achonu, and Senator Chris Adighije.

Other attendees were former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former BON Chairman, former Minister of State for Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh; former Minister for Labour, Emeka Nwogu; members of the Abia State Executive Council and Traditional Rulers, top Military brass and Police officers of the country, the Media, amongst others.

At Kalu’s local government level, people came in their hundreds from the 99 autonomous communities that make up this oldest and largest undivided Local Government Area in Nigeria, comprising their leaders and followers.