The South East zone of the City Boy Movement (CBM) has lauded the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Honourable Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for what it described as his exceptional leadership style and quality representation in the green chambers.

It made the commendation in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, during a recent courtesy call on Kalu, maintaining that ?his tireless efforts in promoting peace and stability through the Peace in the Southeast project have been truly remarkable, fostering an environment conducive to growth, development, and prosperity.?

Mrs. Mary Ikoku, Abia State Leader & South East Zonal Leader of the City Boy Movement, articulated the group?s position during the visit. She pointed out that the group is impressed by Kalu's legislative activities, which have positively impacted the lives of the people from the zone prompting the decision of City Boy Movement to confer the position of its patron on him.

The zonal leader further commended Kalu for unveiling the Renewed Hope Partners, a special purpose vehicle to ensure the vision and policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is communicated to the relevant public and, in turn, cause his re-election based on empirical evidence of his works.

Ikoku revealed that the CBM is planning to host the South East Regional summit, scheduled to hold in the month of June/July. She pointed out that the summit will provide a platform for the group to engage with stakeholders, discuss pressing issues, and chart a way forward for the region's development.

The zonal leader added that the CBM have recently expanded its executive structure from state to LGA, ward, and polling unit levels in preparation for the 2027 elections, as the strategic move is aimed at strengthening her grassroots presence, to mobilize its members to ensure that their voices are heard.

She said: "Your commitment to the ideals of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and your impressive legislative record, both locally and internationally, have earned you the respect and admiration of our movement. Your ability to navigate complex political landscapes and emerge as a champion of the people?s interests is a testament to your visionary leadership.

"We've watched you represent our country, and we love the way you love and promote Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the city boy on whose name this organisation, was formed.

"In recent weeks, "we've had the privilege of watching you commission several projects in your constituency, and we must say that we are proud of your effective representation of the good people of Bende. Your commitment to their well-being and development is a shining example of true leadership.

"On personal note, your Excellency, I would like to share a remarkable experience that speaks to your impact on our lives. For years, travelling from Umuahia to Arochukwu, my community, was a daunting task that would take over two hours. However, thanks to your efforts in attracting and constructing over 8 kilometres of the Itumbuzo road, that journey has been greatly shortened. I can now reach Arochukwu within an hour! This is a testament to your dedication to improving the lives of our people and a shining example of your commitment to development.

"We are here to offer you our readiness for partnership with Renewed Hope Partners. We will work collaboratively with RHP to achieve the great vision for 2027. In recognition of your outstanding contributions, we, the South East City Boy movement, are proud to confer upon you the title of South East Patron. This honour is a testament to your leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the development of our region.

"We believe that your patronage will be invaluable in guiding us towards achieving our objectives. Through this partnership, we envision a brighter future for our region, where our people can live in peace, prosperity, and harmony. We look forward to working closely with you, leveraging your experience and expertise to drive our agenda forward".

Welcoming the group?s request to work with his Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a platform initiated to showcase Tinubu?s giant strides across the country, the Deputy Speaker said the collaboration with the City Boy Movement, founded by the President?s son, Seyi Tinubu, will be impactful.

He said: ?I wholeheartedly accept to be your zonal patron. It?s a show of the partnership between the Renewed Hope Partners and the City Boy Movement. We are going to work together to ensure that the vote that will come from the South East will be different now than it was before. We are going to go around the 5 eastern States. I know the responsibility of being a patron at the zonal level, and I will not shy away from my responsibility. I can assure you that the impact will be driven by our synergy when we come together. We will partner both within and outside the South East, but our primary target is the South East.

Kalu said All Progressives Congress is on a mission to ensure the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election in 2027.

He emphasized that President Tinubu's inclusive approach to governance, evident in his strategic appointments, has earned him the support of the South East region.

He underscored the need for unity and collective effort to strengthen the APC both in the state and entire South East region.

The high point of the event was the decorations of Rt. Hon. Kalu as CBM patron by the Abia State APC chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu.

Among dignitaries that attended the event were CBM Abia Central Stakeholder, Hon. Elton Onwu, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, Fmr speaker, Abia State, and CBM Stakeholder, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ugochukwu Ohajuruka, former speaker of Abia House of Assembly and Executive Director Finance and Admin, South East Development Commission, Rt. Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe, former Deputy speaker, Abia house of Assembly, Prof. Victor Ukaogo, Chairman, Governing Board, Nigerian Institute for Languages Aba (NINLAN)

Hon. Mike Ukoha, and former Minority leader Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, CBM Stakeholder for Abia North and Member, Representing the South East in the board of North West Development Commission.