Residents of Umukalika a suburb of Aba the commercial hub of Abia State, have commended a business man, Mr Ifeanyi Kalu, for carrying out palliative works in the area.
It gathered that many adjoining streets in the area were impassable, as a result of many failed portion, prior to the palliative work by Kalu, who is popularly known as “Odogwu” in the area.
A motorcyclist operator in the area identified as Ikechukwu, who spoke to our correspondent said the roads from Amalek to 7up bottling company, have continously received palliative work from Kalu, to help reduce the risk people face while using the road.
He also added that apart from the routine road rehabilitation, Kalu, has also invested heavily on youth empowerment, community projects,widows empowerment,free medical care and started businesses for women.
He said, “Ordinarily, one would assume odogwu is a politician or he has a political ambition because of what he is doing for people, but in this case, Kalu is doing all the work because of his love for the people.
“His numerous road interventions have been helpful to residents, preventing the area from related flood issues, which has been occuring in this place before Kalu intervened. We pray that God will bless and keep him in all his endeavours”.
Also speaking in chat with our correspondent Kalu, revealed that he discovered that the fastest way to make more money is by rendering assistance to the poor and needy,adding that since he discovered this principle, he has never joked with it.
According to him, the road project was a major concern to him, as all the roads around the 7up area, are usually taken by flood any time it rains.
He said he was prompted to salvage the plight of the people of the area in any possible way, because he hates seeing people go through difficulties.
Kalu pointed that his philosophy of life, is to keep helping people, regardless of origin or political affiliations, stressing that whatever one sows today, has the capacity to benefit his children tomorrow. “I love helping people, it is natural and has nothing to do with politics. People already know me with a good name, i will not stop to do good, so that i will be remembered for my good deeds when i finally join my ancestors”.
Recounting the several community and human capital projects embarked upon, Kalu said, he has shared tricycles (keke napep ), motorcycles (okada), to young people as empowerment, giving special medical care to widows, distributed food items,among others.
He also commended the new government of Abia state, under Dr Alex Otti, for toeing the part of success, stating that the state is gradually experiencing a lift,with the new policies on ground, assuring of his unwavering support.
Kalu, further, disclosed that he is an ardent supporter of Gov Alex Otti, stating that during the concluded gubernatorial election, he supported the Governor with several materials, including mobilizing voters, distributing tricycles and motorcycles for campaigns among others, expressing happiness that his efforts were not in vain.
He,however, called on Abians to support the government of the day for a better Abia, while urging the government not to relent or go down on the tempo they started with, enjoining that they stand on the path of truth at all times, so as to deliver maximally on their mandate and as well, make policies that would encourage businesses to thrive in the state, while the business environment should be made conducive for investors to come in.