By Ojogho Chidi
It was the great philosopher Aeternum who once posited: “As the oak sleeps in the acorn, so too does greatness slumber in obscurity until time and struggle awakens it.”
This timeless postulation aptly captures the story of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives.
In the hallowed chambers of Nigeria’s second national legislative edifice, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, stands as a sterling embodiment of purposeful leadership. He has remained steadfast in his commitment to the people, blending legislative precision with grassroots impact. His representation is not just robust, it is revolutionary.
At the forefront of his legislative strides is the South East Development Commission Bill, a landmark initiative he championed with remarkable tenacity. Signed into law in July, 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the commission is poised to usher in an era of coordinated development, peace, and economic rejuvenation across the South-East geopolitical zone. This singular act has etched Kalu’s name in the annals of history. Posterity will surely remember Kalu as one who did not merely speak for his people but acted in their best interest whenever the story of regional developments is told.
Similarly, Kalu’s passion for education also resonates powerfully through the bills he has sponsored. One such initiative is the bill to upgrade the National Institute of Nigerian Languages into a full-fledged university-an important move to preserve indigenous languages while enhancing educational and cultural value. He has also proposed the establishment of the Federal University of Education, Bende, and the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Bende, ambitious institutions designed to bring higher education closer to the grassroots and spur socio-economic growth.
His prioritization of education is far from rhetorics. Kalu’s actions speak volumes, marking him as a legislator with a vision for tomorrow’s leaders. He understands that education is the bedrock of national transformation, and through legislative activism, he continues to build a more literate, skilled, and empowered Abia North, Ala Igbo and Nigeria at large.
On the home front, Kalu has brought visible transformation to communities across his constituency. From the construction of classroom blocks in Igbere and Amaekpu Item to the rehabilitation of health centers and key access roads, his imprint is undeniable.
Projects such as the Amaokwe-Akanu Road, Okoko-Item Comprehensive College Road, and the renovation of Central School in Lohum, Bende, reflect his deep connection to the needs of his people.
Furthermore, his community-focused projects include the Amaekpu Item Health Centre, classroom blocks at Umunneato Community Primary School, LG Community Primary School, Akanu, and Abanta Community Primary Schools. These initiatives show he is not just a legislator but a builder of the future.
Many of these projects are set for commissioning between April 14th and 15th, 2025, signifying a new chapter of infrastructural advancement in Abia North.
Beyond the shores of his constituency, Kalu’s influence continues to spread.
In recognition of his excellence and contributions, his alma mater, the University of Calabar, invited him to speak during its 37th Convocation Ceremony which coincided with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the institution. There, he delivered a stirring lecture on how Nigerian universities can shape the nation’s future through intellectual innovation, research, and deep community engagement.
A respected voice in international diplomacy, Kalu has also represented Nigeria on the global stage, particularly in the areas of tourism, investment, and post conflict development. Recently at the Inter ParliamentaryUnion (IPU) Assembly in Uzbekistan, he presented a compelling paper on strengthening post war management, drawing global applause for its rich insights and strategic relevance to today’s world.
Through his speeches and diplomatic engagements, Kalu projects Nigeria as a beautiful choice for both tourism and investment, emphasizing the nation’s resilience, diversity, and potential. He exemplifies how legislators can play a crucial role in shaping international perceptions and attracting global interest to Nigeria’s development agenda.
What makes Benjamin Kalu’s story even more inspiring is his humble beginnings. Rising from modest roots, he remains a man of the people, calm in demeanor, gracious in approach, yet articulate with commanding presence. His oratory skills, marked by unmatched elocution and clarity of thoughts, have earned him accolades both at home and abroad.
In an age where leadership is often judged by its tangible impacts, Hon. Kalu’s performance stands tall. His legislative diligence, community development efforts, and international representation form a triad of excellence that reinforces his reputation as a transformative figure in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Indeed, the people of Bender and Abia North have in Kalu not just a representative, but a leader who listens, acts, and delivers. His legacy is being built one bill, one project, and one inspiring speech at a time, firmly positioning him as a beacon of hope and progress for generations to come.
A relentless legislator driven by purpose and passion for transformative change, he pours his heart into every bill, every policy, and every debate. Beyond the chambers, he champions community growth and uplifts the vulnerable. His humanitarian spirit knows no borders, extending hands of help wherever needed. With a diplomat’s grace, he builds bridges for peace, progress, and unity.
In every stride he takes, whether within the legislative chambers, across the towns and villages of Bende and Abia North, Nigeria or on the global stage.
Kalu exemplifies a brand of leadership that is rare, refreshing, and resolutely people centered. His story is not just one of achievement, but of alignment: of purpose with performance, of promises with delivery, and of representation with results.
He is not merely building roads and schools; he is building trust, opportunities, and a future where governance truly touches lives. With each speech he delivers and every project he commissions, Kalu reminds us that politics can be principled, service can be sincere, and leadership can be visionary.
As applause echoes through communities that now have access to healthcare, through classrooms filled with promise, and in global halls where Nigeria’s voice rings clear, one truth resounds above all: Kalu is not just a leader of today, he is a legacy in the making.
Let the nation rise in ovation, for in him, we find not only representation, but inspiration.
…Ojogho Chidi is an Abuja-based Public Affairs Analyst
