Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu Commends Otti Over Approval of C-of-O for Two Federal Tertiary Institutions in Bende, Abia

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has commended the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for the swift approval of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for two newly established federal tertiary institutions in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

The institutions affected by the approval are the Federal College of Education, Bende, and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende.

Kalu described the development as a major step towards the speedy take-off of the institutions, noting that the approval would remove critical administrative barriers and pave the way for the commencement of infrastructure development and other preparatory activities.

The Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in June 2025, assented to the bills he sponsored for the establishment of the two institutions.

According to a press statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the establishment of the institutions will bring numerous benefits to Abia State, including job creation, improved access to quality education and healthcare services, as well as increased economic activities within Bende and surrounding communities.

Kalu further highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and state authorities in achieving sustainable development, describing the partnership between his office and the Abia State Government as essential to the transformation of the state.

He pledged his continued commitment towards attracting more federal projects and investments to Abia State.

“I commend His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, for this swift action. It is a synergy that works for the development of Abia State and our people in general,” Kalu said.

The approval of the Certificates of Occupancy marks another milestone in efforts to establish the two federal institutions, which are expected to contribute significantly to human capital development and economic growth in Abia State.