By Christiana Ekpa
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has offered scholarships to two young orphans at Infant Jesus Orphanage in Calabar, Cross River State from primary to the university level.
He also made a cash donation of N2 million as well as food items to the Orphanage.
Kalu’s visit was part of the 37th Convocation ceremony and 50th anniversary celebrations of the University of Calabar, his alma mater where he delivered the convocation lecture.
The young orphans, Chidera Emmanuela Maduka and Chimankpa Emmanuel Maduka, 12 year old twins had indicated interest to study law when the Deputy Speaker asked the children at the home who amongst them wanted to be lawyers.
Moved by the kindness of the Deputy Speaker, some members of the House of Representatives who accompanied him to the visit made a donation of N1 million, while his former classmates of ‘98, faculty of law, donated N300,000.
Similarly, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress( APC), Anambra State, Mr. Johnbosco Onunkwo donated N200, 000 while the members of Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) also gave N500,000, totaling N4 million
Kalu said: “I’m here with my classmates from University of Calabar, and my colleagues from the National Assembly to show our love and support to you.
“We will take over the training of Chidera and her twin to University level. I’m happy and proud they want to study law. We will support them. We will pay your school fees.
“We brought you some food stuff and we will send you more. We will bring you toiletries. The people you’re seeing here are your fathers and mothers. We are going to appoint a commitee that will be taking care of you.
“Aside the food stuff, I’m giving a cash donation of N2 million, N200,000 from friends of Benjamin Kalu, N1 million from members of House of Representatives here with me, N300,000 from my classmates and N500, 000 from PISE-P members.
Speaking to Journalists shortly after the brief visit, Kalu added “I came here not only to give them something that they will eat today and not have tomorrow. But to draw up a programme that will be sustainable.
“You know I came with my classmates. Some of the kids here want to be lawyers like us. I have given them scholarships up till law school. This is to inspire them and that’s projecting education. Education can take you from this position and put you on a pedestal you never imagined.
“Like in the speech I delivered at UNICAL 50th anniversary, I studied under a tree, no classroom. That’s the truth. But today through education I have built schools where I used to sit. These kids are potential leaders of tomorrow. If you see my pictures under the tree in the 70’s, you won’t believe I will be Deputy Speaker today.”
The coordinator of the orphanage, Sister Chinyere Chukwuka, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kalu and his team, praying for God’s blessings upon them.
“We appreciate you all. We pray Almighty God that sees our hearts bless you all. May God bless your family, businesses, offices and keep you away from enemies. As you’ve remembered us, you will be remembered. On behalf of the arch bishop of the arch diocese, we say a big thank you”, she said.
