The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has distributed grants to 1,200 indigent and vulnerable in his Bende federal constituency of Abia state.

The generous gesture of the Deputy Speaker, tagged “Family Support Grant for Rural Dwellers”, is a cash grant aimed at reducing the suffering of vulnerable groups across the 13 wards in the constituency.

Speaking to newsmen on the grant distribution, Mr. Emma Trumps Eke, Director General, Benjamin Kalu Foundation, said the generosity by the Deputy Speaker is scheduled to run monthly and in phases. 

Speaking on the selection process, Eke said 80 people were chosen from every federal ward of the constituency.

Also speaking, the state woman leader of Benjamin Kalu Foundation, Lady Philomena Ikwuegu, told newsmen that the kind gesture means a lot to the beneficiaries, especially in these hard times. 

“One of them was so excited because he has not received such in these hard times,” Philomena said. 

The beneficiaries expressed their profound gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for his benevolence.

One of the beneficiaries, Chief Ihendu John Ogba said; “I want to thank him, let him continue, by the grace of God, the next time, he is going to be the senator of this senatorial zone. One good turn deserves another.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Comfort Chukwu thanked the Deputy Speaker, saying she plans to use her share to invest in her farmland for increased cultivation. 

Mrs Mba Ijeoma Precious, a petty trader from Apanu Item expressed joy after receiving her share and said it would boost her petty trade.

“I’m very excited to receive this amount of money, as a petty trader, I will use this money to support my business. This money is even given without minding your political affiliation. May God bless Hon Benjamin Kalu and give him the strength to do more,” she said.