By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
Senator Orji Kalu has maintained that his philanthropic gesture of providing food items and cash to his constituents in Igbere, Bende local Government Area of Abia will be sustained.
The philanthropic endeavour of Kalu implemented every Yuletide, was initiated in 1986 prior to his entry into partisan politics.
A statement signed by his media office and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abakaliki, quotes Orji as saying that the sustenance of the exercise proves it was not politically motivated.
“Orji said that despite initially distributing food and cash to the community to celebrate the annual Igbere Cultural festival, he will continue with such gesture for the Yuletide.
“The 13 benefiting villages comprising 30,000 people, live like ‘one big family’ where no one is allowed to go hungry.
“I urge you all to be your brothers’ keepers and be aware that these Items are not for the traditional rulers as I have a separate package for them.”
The Senate Committee Chairman on Privatisation said in the statement that the gesture would support the food security programme of the Federal Government.
“It will also cushion the effects of the economic hardship on the people.”
A Youth Leader in the area, Mr Chimuanya Onwubiko noted that Kalu was “God sent” and hailed his zeal to sustain the over 30 year- old initiative.
“We won’t take these generous gestures for granted as words cannot describe how happy we are over his legacy.
“It is a magnanimous show of love beyond politics which shows that he truly loves us and we also love him.
“He has brought infrastructure and empowerment to the community right from his governorship days and has continued to add value to our lives.”.
