by Uchechukwu Okoroafor, Abuja
Today, I celebrate not just a political leader, but a friend, brother, and boss—Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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From humble beginnings to the corridors of power, your journey has been marked by resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to public service. You have shown that leadership is not about titles, but about impact, and your work speaks volumes.
As a proud son of Abia State, you have elevated the voice of your constituents and championed development, inclusion, and justice. As Deputy Speaker, your sense of responsibility, diplomacy, and intellect continues to strengthen legislative integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria.
You embody the values of loyalty, courage, and excellence—and your humility in the face of great achievements is both inspiring and rare.
On this special day, I wish you greater heights, wisdom beyond measure, and continued grace in your service to our nation. May your path remain bright and your legacy continue to grow.
As you mark your 54th birthday, it is only fitting that we take a moment not only to offer heartfelt birthday wishes but also to reflect on the remarkable journey, character, and impact you have made to redefine legislative leadership in Nigeria.
From your election to the House of Representatives in 2019, representing the people of Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, to your emergence in 2023 as Deputy Speaker of the 10th National Assembly, you have demonstrated a level of dedication, tact, and strategic insight that has distinguished you as one of the leading lights of Nigeria’s 4th Republic.
Known for your calm demeanor and sharp intellect, you are not a typical politician. You bring a rare blend of legal brilliance, effective communication, grassroots connection, and national vision to the legislative table. Your background as a trained lawyer and public administrator has no doubt shaped your methodical approach to governance—an approach that balances principles with pragmatism.
Your leadership style is inclusive, thoughtful, and grounded in the belief that every Nigerian deserves a government that listens and delivers. From your days as a youth leader and adviser to the state government, to your current role in national politics, your trajectory has been one of continuous learning, advocacy, and service.
Since joining the House in 2019, you have sponsored and co-sponsored several bills and motions that directly reflect the needs of your constituents and the broader Nigerian public. Notably, you have been a consistent advocate for: Constitutional reforms; Improved security architecture; Youth and women empowerment; Strengthening local government autonomy; Judicial independence; Infrastructure development in rural communities.
As Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs in the 9th Assembly, you were the official spokesman of the House and played a critical role in bridging the communication gap between the legislature and the Nigerian people. Your tenure was marked by transparency, diplomacy, and a consistent effort to reposition the National Assembly as a truly people-driven institution.
During a time of political turbulence and public skepticism about the legislative arm of government, you stood out as a voice of reason, helping to clarify issues, defend institutional integrity, and promote civic engagement. Your command of facts, firm grasp of parliamentary procedure, and gift of oratory earned you bipartisan respect both within the House and among stakeholders.
In June 2023, you were overwhelmingly elected by your colleagues as Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives—a clear testament to the confidence the House reposes in your leadership. Since then, you have brought stability and strategic foresight to the Green Chamber.
One of your landmark initiatives is the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P), a bold, multi-stakeholder effort aimed at restoring peace, economic stability, and civic dialogue in the South East region of Nigeria. Through this initiative, you have demonstrated an ability to rise above ethnic and partisan divides to offer lasting solutions to one of Nigeria’s most delicate national challenges.
The PISE-P initiative, launched with wide stakeholder engagement, represents a fresh template for conflict resolution and national healing. It is not just about security—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and development to a region that has long suffered from underrepresentation and violence.
You have also continued to champion causes that matter deeply to the Nigerian people—from fiscal federalism to education reform, agricultural development, and digital innovation. In every assignment, you have shown a consistent commitment to impact over rhetoric, service over ambition, and unity over division. You were the brain behind the South East Development Commission (SEDC), poised to transform the South East region, a region neglected since the civil war ended in 1970.
While your national roles are commendable, you have never lost sight of your roots in Bende, Abia State. Your work in your constituency reflects an intimate understanding of local challenges and a deliberate strategy to address them.
Under your stewardship, Bende has witnessed remarkable improvement in: Road construction and rehabilitation projects; Youth skill acquisition programs; Solar streetlight installations; Water supply projects for rural communities, Health and education infrastructure; Scholarship and empowerment initiatives.
You have also facilitated numerous job placements and training opportunities for young people from your constituency, ensuring that your political office translates directly to lives changed.
More importantly, you maintain regular engagement with your constituents, holding town halls, attending community events, and creating open lines of communication. For you, representation is not just about presence in Abuja—it’s about visibility, accessibility, and accountability to the people who elected you.
Perhaps one of your most admirable qualities is your belief in a united, inclusive, and forward-looking Nigeria. Your speeches on the floor of the House and at public events often reflect a commitment to equity, peace, and constitutional democracy.
As Nigeria faces economic, political, and social challenges, leaders like you offer a glimpse of hope. Your ability to speak with sincerity, listen with empathy, and act with integrity is what Nigeria desperately needs—leaders who put the nation above self, and service above personal gain.
Your story inspires a generation of young Nigerians who still believe in the possibility of good governance and credible leadership. And in a political climate often defined by noise and negativity, your calm strength and consistent delivery are a breath of fresh air.
At 54, you still have many more years of service ahead, but even now, your legacy is already being written- in lives uplifted, laws passed, tensions calmed, and futures restored.
As I celebrate you, I celebrate not just the man but the values you represent: discipline, excellence, loyalty, and compassion. I celebrate a public servant who is showing that politics can still be noble and that leadership, when done right, can still earn the trust and admiration of the people.
To our friend, brother, and leader- happy 54th birthday, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. May your years ahead be even more impactful, your vision clearer, and your strength renewed for the journey still ahead.
I honour you. Nigeria salutes you. Abia stands proud. Bende celebrates you. The nation watches—and continues to be inspired.