About Benjamin Kalu
Who is Benjamin Kalu ?
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is a prominent Nigerian Legislator currently serving as the Deputy Speaker of the 10th Federal House of Representatives, National Assembly of Nigeria. A former Spokesperson and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs for the 9th House, Kalu brings several years of cognate experience as an accomplished leader and member of parliament in helping nurture the Nigerian Dream.
An astute lawyer and accomplished businessman, Kalu’s current stint at the National Parliament is on account of the constituents he so dutifully represents—the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State. In this regard, his commitment to contributing to the development of the people of Bende through legislative processes, project implementation, and manpower development remains and has remained unparalleled and undeterred over the years.
Education
Rt. Hon. Kalu boasts an impressive academic and professional trajectory. Amongst his many qualifications, he holds Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Master of Laws (LL.M) degrees from the University of Calabar, Nigeria; a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Oxford Brookes University; a diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from the University of Oxford, UK; as well as an LL.M in Petroleum Taxation and Finance from the University of Dundee, Scotland.
He also holds several certifications from reputable and globally acclaimed institutions such as John Cabot University, Italy (Migration and Human Rights); the University of Groningen, Netherlands (Illicit Trade); the Miami Herbert Business School, USA (Governance & Development); and the UNICRI, Italy (Environmental Crimes).
His fellowships with prestigious organisations like OSHAssociation UK, Chartered Institute of Arbitration, UK, Nigerian Bar Association, and the Institute of Administrative Managers highlight his sheer dedication to professional excellence.
Legislative Contributions
Since 2019, Rt. Hon Kalu has been a dynamic member of the National Assembly. He has actively participated in over 22 crucial motions, contributing to national development and public well-being. Key areas of his legislative focus include:
- Environmental Protection
- Investigating governmental agency failures
- Promoting the welfare of Nigerians globally
With over 100 bills to his name, he has been instrumental to much needed amendments to national laws principal of which include the Acts Authentication Act and the Nigerian Communications Act, to mention a few. He has also, through legislative interventions, pioneered the creation of critical public institutions such as the Federal Capital Territory Education Resource Centre.
Having sponsored the bill for the establishment of the South-East Development Commission in the 10th House (a bill which has now been signed into law by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria), Kalu has remained committed to addressing the socio-economic and infrastructural deficits in the South-East.
As Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu currently Chairs the House Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution, as well as the House Committee of the Whole.
Foreign Parliament Engagement
Notable amongst his foreign parliamentary engagements is his membership of the African Union’s Pan African Parliament where he contributes his two cents serving under the specialised Committee on Finance and Administration.
He is also a prominent member of the 6th ECOWAS Parliament where he co-leads the Nigerian delegation to the Parliament, while also serving as Chair of the Finance, Administration and Budget Committee.
Civic & Social Responsibility
Rt. Hon. Kalu's commitment to society extends beyond politics. For the past 20 years, he has been actively empowering his constituents through various initiatives. He founded the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, focusing on empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities.
His role in the Sudan Darfur Project with the UNHCR and the Peace in the South East Project showcases his dedication to humanitarian and peace initiatives.
Constituency Engagements
Communication has proven to be an effective way to sustain accountability in leadership. To achieve this, Kalu launched a weekly TV and Radio program tagged ‘BEN KALU’S MANDATE’.
The program affords the people of Bende and Abia State the opportunity to follow the notable and impactful activities of Hon. Kalu that happened in the preceding week. Valuable information around his legislative activities, oversight functions and constituency projects are shared and discussed at length in line with his commitment to carrying his constituents along every step of the way.
BEN KALU’S MANDATE has served and continues to serve as a feedback tool, providing the opportunity to feel the pulse of Bende people through calls and text messages on issues concerning the Constituency.
The programme is held every Monday on Flo FM, Real FM, Vision Africa and ABN TV from 11:00am to 12:00pm, and has in the last one year garnered over 1 million listeners from Abia State and beyond, with over 20 calls and 24 text messages coming in on the show every single week.
What People Say
See testimonials about the works of Benjamin Kalu
"He speaks not only for the House of Representatives but for the entire National Assembly and he has done that so well. Abia is blessed to have Rep. Benjamin Kalu."
Sen. Ahmed Lawan, President of the 9th Senate
"He is a chairman who continues to think outside the box and who is taking this media committee to a towering height like never before in the national assembly. His capacity, his ability, his competence, his passion and that of the committee and the rest of the committee remains unparalleled in the history of the media committee of the house of representatives."
Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the 9th House of Reps.
"You have shown excellence spirit in all assignments you are asked to handle and the glory around you is because you love God."
Boss Mustapha, fmr. Secretary to the Government of the Federation
"Hon Benjamin Kalu is the representative for Abia state, not Bende alone, and his style of politics without bitterness has closed the door to rancour and acrimony among politicians of diverse party colours."
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, fmr. Abia State Governor
"Hon. Benjamin Kalu has delivered on all assignments he has been given in politics and outside politics, a good role model for the young generation. He is an honest person not easily moved by money, fame or pleasures."
Senator Orji Kalu,
"Hon. Benjamin Kalu has opened our eyes to what we never knew existed in this office he is occupying. We are happy with his representation."
Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, Chairman of Traditional Rulers Bende
"As the Chairman of Item Traditional Rulers Council, I want to talk about Benjamin Kalu's outstanding reputation. As a representative within two years, he has put smiles in the lives of his constituents. He has attracted so many road projects in the Constituency. He has done what nobody has ever done in the Constituency and we are proud of him."
HRH Innocent Mba, Chairman, Item Traditional Rulers Council
"I am excited about his quality of leadership. Of course the fact that he was made the Chairman of Media and Public Affairs speaks volumes about his person, charisma and ingenuity. I am indeed captivated by his level of humility despite his position. The several encounters I have had with him made indelible marks in my life."
His Lordship, Bishop O.C. Chiemeka, Diocese of Uzuakoli
"He has a rare and distinctive characterization. He is capable of autonomous thought processes. He is unlike the most political figures that depend largely on thinking of their aides and PAs to fortify himself. Each time I watch him on the floor of the house and the television, he acquits him admirably in extempore engagement. He is well exposed, properly educated with good comportment. With the elements so mixed up in him, he can hold various political positions."
Dr. Soni Ajala,
"Hon. Benjamin Kalu is a very articulate and humble man, someone who wants to reach out to others and touch lives. We pray that his service will not be limited to what he is doing now, that will continue to serve humanity, Bende, Abia State and beyond."
Sir. Ndukwe Osogho Ajala, OON. Chairman/CEO, Soulmate Industries Ltd.
"Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is a kind man with a very good heart who has great love for the Nkpa community. I have the consent of the traditional rulers to say that he should regard himself as a son of the Nkpa community. We don't have enough to thank him but I want to advise every Nkpa son and daughter who is desirous of going to the House of Representatives, to please keep back his ambition because there is no Vacancy until Benjamin Kalu says he is not going again."
Justice Imo,
"He speaks not only for the House of Representatives but for the entire National Assembly and he has done that so well. Abia is blessed to have Rep. Benjamin Kalu."
Sen. Ahmed Lawan, President of the 9th Senate
"He is a chairman who continues to think outside the box and who is taking this media committee to a towering height like never before in the national assembly. His capacity, his ability, his competence, his passion and that of the committee and the rest of the committee remains unparalleled in the history of the media committee of the house of representatives."
Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the 9th House of Reps.
"You have shown excellence spirit in all assignments you are asked to handle and the glory around you is because you love God."
Boss Mustapha, fmr. Secretary to the Government of the Federation
"Hon Benjamin Kalu is the representative for Abia state, not Bende alone, and his style of politics without bitterness has closed the door to rancour and acrimony among politicians of diverse party colours."
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, fmr. Abia State Governor
"Hon. Benjamin Kalu has delivered on all assignments he has been given in politics and outside politics, a good role model for the young generation. He is an honest person not easily moved by money, fame or pleasures."
Senator Orji Kalu,
"Hon. Benjamin Kalu has opened our eyes to what we never knew existed in this office he is occupying. We are happy with his representation."
Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, Chairman of Traditional Rulers Bende
"As the Chairman of Item Traditional Rulers Council, I want to talk about Benjamin Kalu's outstanding reputation. As a representative within two years, he has put smiles in the lives of his constituents. He has attracted so many road projects in the Constituency. He has done what nobody has ever done in the Constituency and we are proud of him."
HRH Innocent Mba, Chairman, Item Traditional Rulers Council
"I am excited about his quality of leadership. Of course the fact that he was made the Chairman of Media and Public Affairs speaks volumes about his person, charisma and ingenuity. I am indeed captivated by his level of humility despite his position. The several encounters I have had with him made indelible marks in my life."
His Lordship, Bishop O.C. Chiemeka, Diocese of Uzuakoli
"He has a rare and distinctive characterization. He is capable of autonomous thought processes. He is unlike the most political figures that depend largely on thinking of their aides and PAs to fortify himself. Each time I watch him on the floor of the house and the television, he acquits him admirably in extempore engagement. He is well exposed, properly educated with good comportment. With the elements so mixed up in him, he can hold various political positions."
Dr. Soni Ajala,
"Hon. Benjamin Kalu is a very articulate and humble man, someone who wants to reach out to others and touch lives. We pray that his service will not be limited to what he is doing now, that will continue to serve humanity, Bende, Abia State and beyond."
Sir. Ndukwe Osogho Ajala, OON. Chairman/CEO, Soulmate Industries Ltd.
"Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is a kind man with a very good heart who has great love for the Nkpa community. I have the consent of the traditional rulers to say that he should regard himself as a son of the Nkpa community. We don't have enough to thank him but I want to advise every Nkpa son and daughter who is desirous of going to the House of Representatives, to please keep back his ambition because there is no Vacancy until Benjamin Kalu says he is not going again."
Justice Imo,
"He speaks not only for the House of Representatives but for the entire National Assembly and he has done that so well. Abia is blessed to have Rep. Benjamin Kalu."
Sen. Ahmed Lawan, President of the 9th Senate
"He is a chairman who continues to think outside the box and who is taking this media committee to a towering height like never before in the national assembly. His capacity, his ability, his competence, his passion and that of the committee and the rest of the committee remains unparalleled in the history of the media committee of the house of representatives."
Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the 9th House of Reps.
"You have shown excellence spirit in all assignments you are asked to handle and the glory around you is because you love God."
Boss Mustapha, fmr. Secretary to the Government of the Federation
"Hon Benjamin Kalu is the representative for Abia state, not Bende alone, and his style of politics without bitterness has closed the door to rancour and acrimony among politicians of diverse party colours."
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, fmr. Abia State Governor
"Hon. Benjamin Kalu has delivered on all assignments he has been given in politics and outside politics, a good role model for the young generation. He is an honest person not easily moved by money, fame or pleasures."
Senator Orji Kalu,
"Hon. Benjamin Kalu has opened our eyes to what we never knew existed in this office he is occupying. We are happy with his representation."
Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, Chairman of Traditional Rulers Bende
"As the Chairman of Item Traditional Rulers Council, I want to talk about Benjamin Kalu's outstanding reputation. As a representative within two years, he has put smiles in the lives of his constituents. He has attracted so many road projects in the Constituency. He has done what nobody has ever done in the Constituency and we are proud of him."
HRH Innocent Mba, Chairman, Item Traditional Rulers Council
"I am excited about his quality of leadership. Of course the fact that he was made the Chairman of Media and Public Affairs speaks volumes about his person, charisma and ingenuity. I am indeed captivated by his level of humility despite his position. The several encounters I have had with him made indelible marks in my life."
His Lordship, Bishop O.C. Chiemeka, Diocese of Uzuakoli
"He has a rare and distinctive characterization. He is capable of autonomous thought processes. He is unlike the most political figures that depend largely on thinking of their aides and PAs to fortify himself. Each time I watch him on the floor of the house and the television, he acquits him admirably in extempore engagement. He is well exposed, properly educated with good comportment. With the elements so mixed up in him, he can hold various political positions."
Dr. Soni Ajala,
"Hon. Benjamin Kalu is a very articulate and humble man, someone who wants to reach out to others and touch lives. We pray that his service will not be limited to what he is doing now, that will continue to serve humanity, Bende, Abia State and beyond."
Sir. Ndukwe Osogho Ajala, OON. Chairman/CEO, Soulmate Industries Ltd.
"Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is a kind man with a very good heart who has great love for the Nkpa community. I have the consent of the traditional rulers to say that he should regard himself as a son of the Nkpa community. We don't have enough to thank him but I want to advise every Nkpa son and daughter who is desirous of going to the House of Representatives, to please keep back his ambition because there is no Vacancy until Benjamin Kalu says he is not going again."
Justice Imo,
Awards & Recognition
Rt. Hon Kalu’s outstanding service has earned him numerous awards, including
Award for Outstanding Legislative Contribution towards Improved TB policy and Funding
Zik’s Award of Excellence on Civic Engagement
Independent Newspapers’ South East and Abia State Federal Lawmaker of the year Award
Abia State Most Outstanding Federal Legislator
Democracy Heroes Award Africa As The Most Outstanding Rep. Member of the Year
Nomination as Top Performer in Bills Sponsorship on MVP Hall of Fame
Flo Icons Award for the Most Impactful Lawmaker of the Year
