Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu Named Patron of the City Boy Movement South East

ONN Abia 05.05.2025

The South East chapter of the City Boy Movement (CBM) on Friday paid a high-level courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and steadfast commitment to the progress and prosperity of the region.

Led by Dr. Mary Ikoku, CBM Abia State Leader and the Leader, South East City Boy Leaders Forum, the delegation formally conferred upon the Deputy Speaker the title of South East Patron of the movement, a gesture symbolizing both honour and strategic partnership.

The delegation lauded Hon. Kalu’s visionary leadership and his unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In particular, the group praised his pivotal role in championing peace through the Peace in the South East initiative, as well as his tireless advocacy for the South East Development Commission, two cornerstones of his commitment to regional development and national unity.

In addition to his national influence, the Deputy Speaker’s constituency performance came into sharp focus. The City Boy Movement commended him for transformative constituency projects, including strategic road construction and school rehabilitation, which have tangibly improved the lives of the people of Bende Federal Constituency and beyond.

As part of the engagement, the CBM leadership expressed readiness to partner with the Renewed Hope Partners initiative, a special purpose vehicle established by the Deputy Speaker to promote the policies and achievements of President Tinubu. The Movement affirmed its role as a strategic grassroots engine for delivering support toward the President’s re-election in 2027.

The highlight of the visit was the formal decoration of Rt. Hon. Kalu with the insignia of South East Patron, performed by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu. This formal recognition signifies the beginning of deeper collaboration between the CBM and one of the region’s most dynamic political leaders.

Looking ahead, the City Boy Movement announced its upcoming South East Regional Summit, scheduled for later this year, and unveiled its expanded leadership structure, now reaching all 17 LGAs in Abia State and cascading down to the ward and polling unit levels. This strategic expansion underscores the group’s resolve to build a robust, people-oriented movement fully prepared for 2027.

Founded in 2022, the City Boy Movement has grown into a national grassroots platform championing the Renewed Hope agenda and the leadership vision of President Tinubu. With Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu now serving as its South East Patron, the movement is poised to deepen its impact and deliver renewed energy to the political resurgence of the South East region.