UMUIMENYI, BENDE — September 8, 2026: The spirit of grassroots engagement and community service came alive in Umuimenyi, Bende, as the Mazi Ekweronu Foundation (MEF), founded by Engr. Nnadozie Ekweronu, took healthcare, welfare support and direct community engagement to residents across Umuede, Amaediaba and Lohum.
The programme, titled “Town Hall Engagement & Free Medical Outreach in Support of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu,” was designed to bring basic healthcare services, welfare assistance and an opportunity for direct interaction closer to the people.
Across the three communities, the one-day intervention reached over 520 people, with more than 110 people receiving medications, while about 60 people at each location received cash support as part of the welfare component of the programme.
The initiative provided residents with access to basic medical attention and assistance, while also creating an avenue for meaningful interaction between the people and community stakeholders.
From Umuede, where the programme commenced, to Amaediaba and later Lohum, the outreach maintained its focus on taking services directly to the grassroots.
Beyond the medical checks, medications and welfare support, the programme also reflected a broader philosophy of community development — one that recognises that meaningful leadership must ultimately translate into interventions that people can see, feel and benefit from.
Speaking during the programme, Engr. Nnadozie Ekweronu, Founder of the Mazi Ekweronu Foundation, spoke about the developmental efforts of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, PhD, across Umuimenyi/Nkpa Ward and the entire Bende Federal Constituency.
He noted that the visible developmental efforts of the Deputy Speaker across the ward and the wider constituency are among the reasons the people continue to identify with and support his leadership.
According to Engr. Ekweronu, the people are coming out in their numbers to support Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu because they believe in the things he stands for and recognise the importance of supporting leadership that is committed to the development of their communities and the progress of Bende.
He further emphasised that the growing support reflects the people’s appreciation of efforts that directly impact their communities, while calling for continued unity and collective support for initiatives that advance the interests of the constituency.
The Town Hall component also created an opportunity for residents to engage, share their concerns and hear directly about developments concerning their community and constituency.
The programme received the presence and support of several political and community stakeholders.
Among those in attendance was the Director-General of the Ben Kalu Campaign and Head of the Ben Kalu Movement, Hon. Rev. Emma Trumps, who spoke glowingly about the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, PhD, and his commitment to the people of Bende.
Also in attendance was Chief Lucky Philip, Vice Chairman of the APC in Bende Local Government Area, who equally spoke highly of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and the importance of initiatives that bring tangible support closer to the people.
The event also attracted Hon. Chief Uchechi Ogbuka, Director-General of the Ijiriji Campaign, alongside other political leaders, stakeholders, community members and well-wishers.
The presence of the various stakeholders further reinforced the programme’s character as both a welfare intervention and a platform for grassroots engagement.
For families and individuals who may face difficulties accessing healthcare or meeting immediate welfare needs, interventions such as this can provide meaningful relief. More importantly, they send a message that communities and the people who live in them remain an important part of the development conversation.
The outreach also demonstrated the role that individuals, foundations and political stakeholders can play in complementing broader development efforts by responding to immediate community needs.
With over 520 people reached, more than 110 beneficiaries receiving medication, and approximately 60 people receiving cash support at each of the three locations, the one-day programme represented a significant grassroots intervention across Umuede, Amaediaba and Lohum.
The programme further highlighted the growing community-based activities of the Mazi Ekweronu Foundation under the leadership of Engr. Nnadozie Ekweronu, while reinforcing the message of solidarity and community development contained in the initiative.
For the people of Umuimenyi, the significance of the programme went beyond the activities of a single day. It provided healthcare, welfare assistance, human interaction and an opportunity for residents to feel directly connected to those working to support their communities.
From Umuede to Amaediaba and Lohum, the message was one of service, solidarity and collective responsibility.
Because leadership is not just about being seen at the top.
Leadership is about coming down, standing with the people, listening to them, and making a difference in their lives.
Big Ben dey on ground! 🇳🇬
Together, we continue to touch lives, strengthen communities and build a stronger, better Bende.
Stronger Together. Better Bende.
