DEPUTY SPEAKER BEN KALU: A New Wave Of Exemplary Leadership
By Acho Marcus Nkire
We are defined by our intentions, decisions and actions that thus lead to a unique set of eventualities, positive or nay. Some of us are bound to create a cauldron of positive affirmations through impeccable character and unfaltering competence whilst others simply not.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DS), Rt. Hon Ben Kalu stands out like an apple tree in the thickest of forests, in leadership, achievements and most importantly genuine care, a quality which by my historical calculations has been known to exist scarcely amongst leaders in our country.
His keen sense of loyalty, unity and hardwork has led to a smooth relationship with his superior, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,Tajudeen Abbas and his ultimate boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
An effervescent beam of untangled hope to his people in the south-east and national treasure to the federation. Rt. Hon. Ben is a walking graphic of the famous phrase “making Mama Proud”. Adorned with countless, recognitions and awards both internationally and on home soil; a member of the African Union Pan African Parliament 2023; a fellow of the chartered institute of international arbitrators, just to name a few.
The singular disclaimer would be that in theory and in practice, this is who a role model should aspire to be like. Highly educated, distinctly progressive and empowering, as shown in his strive for inclusivity through his backing of women in politics to the hills and fro.
The standards of what should be are not lost on us, hence when a good one arrives, magnifications are in order. A jewel to the South-East, a man whose influence continues to impact many, the drums beat and chant his name as the ancestors celebrate his undying loyalty to the cause. A proud beneficiary of the 2021 Zik’s Award of Excellence on civic engagement in commemoration of an impactful participative interaction with society and adherence to civic duties aimed at achieving a functioning society.
LIFE AND EDUCATIONAL HEIGHTS
A Bachelor of law (LL. B) holder at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. Ben who was born on the 5th of May 1971, was called to Bar after completing his law school in Enugu. A testament to his penchant for growth, Hon. Kalu went on to achieve a double masters degree, A Master of Business Administration from Oxford Brookes University and a Master of law in terrorism and international humanitarian law.
Hailing from Abia State, Bende, LGA to be precise, that productivity and never say die attitude likened to the South-East people of Nigeria is on apparent show in his approach and methodology to life and core beliefs in general.
Decorated with a host of certifications it is clear that Hon. Kalu has a healthy obsession with diplomacy and is not shy to outsource solutions, if or when internal options prove inadequate. His Certification on Illicit trade from the University of Groningen further underlines the willingness of a man who wants things to operate in competence. He also obtained a certification in Migration and Human Rights from John Cabot University in Italy.
POLITICAL JOURNEY AND ACHIEVEMENTS
A former local government chairman of Bende LGA, under the then Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu. Hon. Ben’s brilliance earned him a spot in various advisory committees. His stock quickly rose as high achiever and the youngest local government chairman in Bende history. Currently serving as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives after being re-elected in 2023, He has been a cornerstone for progress and has proposed many important bills with the most prominent being the Bill to initiate South-East Development Council (SEDC) which was been passed into law and is already in full swing at the moment.
Looking out for his region on a national level not only exemplifies the kind of man he is, but also showcases his foresight in betting on a burgeoning geographical area with untapped potential. For years the Igbos had felt unheard, unloved and disregarded in the affairs of the nation, since the demise of greats such as Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe etc.
A major ethnic group with the struggles of a minority, the igbos had sought a presence of reverence and leader who would present their case at the federal level. This is not to say that Hon. Ben Kalu is of the status of those great Nigerian history makers, or at least not yet, but it is clear he walks the same path.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
He once led the Sudan Darfur Project in Australia for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, focusing on fundraising and providing orientation for refugees. A member of the ECOWAS Parliament, serving as the chairman of the Finance, Accounting and Budgeting committee. A member of the African Union Pan African parliament, serving under the finance and admin committee. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of International Arbitrators (CIARB UK) and many more, bagging a whole heap of awards along the way including the Outstanding Representative Member of the Year at the Democracy Heroes Award Africa, Leadership Excellence LEEX awards and the 2019 humanitarian service awards. This is clearly an international juggernaut, vastly exposed in the affairs of policy, politics, finance and diplomacy.
A PREACHER OF PEACE AND EVOLUTION
As a conveyor belt for peace, Kālu’s Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P), aims to use non-kinetic means to resolve insecurity in the South East Region of Nigeria. He is also the founder of the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, a charity organization which advocates for the welfare of the disabled. Ben has also instigated funding and empowerment programs for economic aggrandizement through his legislative capabilities as Deputy Speaker.
His involvement in the health sector led to him being bestowed an Outstanding Legislative Contribution Award towards Improving tuberculosis policy and funding in Nigeria. With age on his side, only the future can tell what the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives would go on to achieve, but all indications, past and present, point to a very exciting ride ahead of us
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