The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said people from the Southeast are not lazy, adding that they create wealth anywhere they go.
He said this during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd and Peace in South East Initiative (PISE-P) for the the community enterprise digital hub and unveiling model of the hub, at the National Assembly complex.
PISE-P is an initiative of the Deputy Speaker to restore peace to the region. Kalu kicked against sitting at home on Mondays in the region, saying the Igbo were not lazy people who sought an additional holiday to the weekend.
“Southeast people multiply wealth wherever they enter. We do not multiply and encourage poverty. The Southeast people are visionary people who are not lazy that will choose Saturday, Sunday and Monday to sit at home. Saturday and Sunday has always been enough for us for relaxation as a weekend.”
Adding an extra day to it is the sign of laziness coming from people who are lazy and this is not the identity of the South East.
“Therefore PISE-P is here as a wake up call to remind us what our fore fathers and ancestors bequeathed to us which is the spirit of hardwork. The spirit of building not destroying. The spirit of giving birth not killing. Our brothers not slaughtering our mothers and not sacrificing our fathers. That is not the spirit of the south east.
“So anyone who carries on with such spirit is not from the South East and a stranger to South East. That is why PISE-P is out to remind our people who we are in case they have gotten lost in their pursuit of what is their identity. Our identity is that we work hard and we build,” he said.
He said the event symbolised the beginning of a transformative journey towards digital empowerment and inclusive development in the south east and Nigeria.
He said PISE-P is driven by the vision of nurturing lasting peace, stability and sustainable development in South east through innovative and inclusive non kinetic approaches.
“We can bring peace without the sounds of guns. We can bring our people from the trenches and the bushes, from agitations to a place of dialogue, negotiation and empowerment, where they will feel a sense of belonging in a country that also belongs to them. Our vision is to unlock the untapped potential within the region. We need to restore our position as a hub of entrepreneural activities,” he said.
The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, commended the Deputy Speaker for his visionary leadership and laudable dedication to the cause of peace, unity and development.
She urged all to embrace the initiative wholeheartedly and work towards a future where every citizen of the South East can thrive and contribute to the progress of the nation.
Nicholas Kalu, – The Nation
