My philanthropy with food items, cash not political —Uzor Kalu

The senator representing Abia North in the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu, affirms that his philanthropic efforts, which involve providing food items and cash to his constituents, are not driven by political motives.

He expresses a commitment to sustaining these initiatives. Senator Kalu gave this assurance on Saturday in his Igbere community, located in the Bende local government area of Abia State. He highlights that this annual practice, which began in 1986 before his entry into politics, demonstrates its non-political nature through its continued existence. Kalu mentions that while the initial distribution of food and cash was for the annual Igbere cultural festival, he intends to persist with such charitable acts during the Yuletide season.

The gesture involved 13 benefiting villages, comprising about 30,000 people, who live like “one big family” where no one is allowed to go hungry.

Speaking during the occasion, Kalu said: “I urge you all to be your brother’s keeper and be aware that these items are not for the traditional rulers as I have a separate package for them”.

Kalu, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Privatisation, said the gesture would support the food security programme of the Federal Government, adding “It will also cushion the effects of the economic hardship on the people”.

Responding on behalf of others, a youth leader in the area, Chimuanya Onwubiko, described the senator as “Godsent” and thanked him for his zeal to sustain the over 30-year-old initiative.

Onwubiko said: “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.”