From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said that democracy and development cannot thrive without peace.
Kalu, according to a statement by Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, stated this , while playing host to a delegation from German Initiative for Knowledge Transfer on a courtesy call to his office at the National Assembly.
The deputy speaker, while noting that one of the challenges facing the country is insecurity, pointed out that investments, development, democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.
Kalu explained that it was that realization that motivated him to initiate the Peace in the South East Project, PISE-P, a non-Kinetic approach towards achieving peace in the South East geo-political zone. Consequently, he sought for collaboration with the German agency to build rehabilitation centres and digital skills acquisition for the youths from the zone.
According to him, “we need to cultivate a spirit of cooperation, shared responsibility, and mutual understanding – values that are well embodied in our call for collaboration for the Peace in the Southeast Project (PISE-P).
I call upon you all to join us in this endeavor. Let us foster an environment where ICT is not just a tool, but a beacon of hope for a brighter, safer, and more peaceful world. Let us use ICT as a means to bridge gaps, heal divisions, and promote understanding. And let us commit to a future where cybersecurity is not just about defending our systems, but about safeguarding our shared values, our common goals, and our collective future.
“We are looking for partners that will help us. We are coming with grants that will take them into training and help them start businesses. So we are looking for partners that can work. With to build all these skill, rehabilitation centers where we can train people. So both government participation, Non-governmental agencies, development partners we are looking for such collaboration and partnership.”
Earlier, Obinna Ichita, Country Director, German Initiative for Knowledge Transfer, congratulated the deputy speaker on his peace project. Ichita lauded Kalu for his peace initiatives and expressed the readiness of the group to partner with him.