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Tag: Hon. Benjamin Kalu

  • Deputy Speaker Kalu elected chairman African Union Parliament’s Monetary & Financial Affairs Committee

    Deputy Speaker Kalu elected chairman African Union Parliament’s Monetary & Financial Affairs Committee

    Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu has been elected Chairman of the Monetary and Financial Affairs Committee of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) with Hon. Senator Christine Mwando Katempa (Democratic Republic of Congo) named Deputy Chairman.

    The chairmanship of the Monetary and Financial Affairs Committee, which is one of the highest positions zoned to the West African caucus of the parliament, was recently vacated by Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak (Ghana) following his nomination as a Minister.

    Hon. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament announced the appointment during a session of the Pan-African Parliament on Tuesday in Midrand, South Africa.

    Kalu’s emergence followed his nomination by the West African Caucus, which the plenary of the parliament then approved before the announcement by Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira.

    The nomination was conveyed in a letter by the West African Caucus Chairman, Hon. Alhagie Mbow (the Gambia), which recognized his work at the Nigerian parliament, the ECOWAS parliament and the IPU where he is also leading a steering committee.

    Chairman West African caucus in the nomination letter read on the floor of the parliament by President of PAP, Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira said Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu who is the leader of the Nigerian Delegation to PAP “is the most qualified person for the job and has been unanimously endorsed by the regional Caucus to replicate his good works at the ECOWAS in PAP.

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    The impact of Kalu’s parliamentary work has been similarly recognised internationally by supranational bodies like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament.

    According to information available on its website, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), also known as the African Parliament, is the legislative body of the African Union (AU). Established in March 2004, its primary goal is to ensure the full participation of African peoples and their grassroots organizations in governance and economic integration across the continent.

    The PAP is composed of up to 275 members representing the 55 AU member states. Each member state can send up to five representatives, including at least one woman, who are selected by their national legislatures. The Parliament exercises oversight, advisory, and consultative powers, with the long-term aim of evolving into an institution with full legislative authority, elected through universal suffrage

    The Kalu-led Monetary and Financial Affairs Committee has swung into action after his nomination with “consideration of the PAP 2026 proposed budget” listed on the order paper.

  • Southeast has potential to drive national economic growth – Kalu

    Southeast has potential to drive national economic growth – Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has said that the southeast geopolitical zone has the potential to drive national and economic development in the country.

    The deputy speaker said the zone was home to some of the most enterprising individuals and communities in the country, with a rich history of commerce that spans generations.

    Special assistant, press affairs to the deputy speaker, Udora Orizu, said in a statement that Kalu was speaking during the launch of the 5th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Enugu state by Vice President, Kashim Shettima on Thursday, October 3.

    He said that locating the 5th Expanded National MSME clinic in Enugu is proof that the Southeast region holds a special place in the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as it recognizes the region’s potential to drive national economic growth through MSMEs.

    According to him, the MSME Hub in Enugu is not just a facility; but a vital and strategic platform that taps into the latent economic power of the southeast.

    He said the hub is well-positioned to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity, empowering the hardworking men and women of the zone to transform their dreams into successful enterprises and expressed optimism that it will serve as a centre of innovation, providing entrepreneurs with the resources, training, and mentorship they need to scale their businesses.

    He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President’s commitment to supporting Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Enterprises (NMSMEs), noting that the government’s strategic interventions are directly targeted at removing the obstacles small business owners face, and their efforts have created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    He also commended the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah for his efforts in prioritizing small and medium scale businesses in Enugu, with collaborative efforts between the Federal Government and the State.

    The Deputy Speaker reiterated the commitment to the 10th House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, towards supporting economic growth and entrepreneurship using legislative instruments.

    He said that the parliament is aware that a conducive legislative framework is critical to the success of initiatives such as the MSME Clinics, hence why they have sponsored an adoption of the famous Igbo Apprenticeship System, the Igba-Boi System into a National Apprenticeship Scheme, adding that the bill is currently at a crucial stage of consideration in the House of Representatives.

    Kalu said: “I bring you all warm greetings from the Speaker and all the members of the House of Representatives. This event not only symbolizes our collective commitment to the growth and sustainability of MSMEs in Nigeria. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have witnessed bold steps that are breathing new life into Nigeria’s economy.

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    “Today, we acknowledge the monumental strides taken with the introduction of various funding schemes tailored to support businesses across the nation. The establishment of three funds totalling N200 billion, including the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), the FGN MSME Intervention Fund, and the FGN Manufacturing Sector Fund, is a testament to President Tinubu’s recognition of the critical role MSMEs play in driving sustainable growth.

    The Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), providing financial support to nano business owners with a N50 billion grant, is reaching one million small businesses nationwide. By supporting sectors such as food services, ICT, artisanship, and more, this scheme ensures that even the smallest enterprises are not left behind in the journey toward economic prosperity.

    “As we gather here in Enugu for the commissioning of this strategic MSME Hub, we must acknowledge the significance of this location. The South East zone of Nigeria has long been renowned for its entrepreneurship and industrious spirit.

    “It is no secret that this region stands as a beacon of commerce, apprenticeship, and innovation, and establishing this hub is a direct recognition of the entrepreneurial dynamism that flourishes here.

    ‘In a zone known for its industrious culture, this hub will harness that energy, creating a thriving ecosystem where businesses can flourish, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

    “It also feeds into our Peace in South Project (PISE-P) ethos of a non-kinetic approach to engineering peace and prosperity in the South East.

    “Let us leave here today with renewed hope—hope in the potential of our small businesses, hope in the resilience of our people, and hope in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Sen. Kashim Shettima, whose commitment to the progress of Nigeria remains steadfast. Thank you, and may we continue to strive toward a prosperous future for all Nigerians.”

  • Reps considering bill to reserve seats for women in Parliament, says Deputy Speaker

    Reps considering bill to reserve seats for women in Parliament, says Deputy Speaker

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has said that the House is presently considering a bill to reserve special seats for women in the parliament

    The Deputy Speaker disclosed this while speaking at the 2nd Women of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI) Inspiring Women Summit (WIWS 2024) in Owerri, Imo State with the theme: “Illuminating the Power of an Inspired Woman.”

    WODDI is a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Nkechi Rochas Okorocha, the wife of former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha which aims at empowering the women and helping them to achieve their dreams in life.

    Kalu said the bill titled “Seat Reservation Bill”, recently introduced in the parliament is sponsored by himself alongside some of his colleagues.

    He said the bill is seeking an alteration to the 1999 Constitution to provide special seats for women in the legislature, adding that when passed into law, the bill will help the cause of women within the political space

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    He said: “We must acknowledge, however, that in a society striving for equitable development, addressing fundamental issues like gender equality and inclusiveness is imperative. In Nigeria, where women and girls constitute 49.32% of our population, the representation in institutions and governance needs urgent attention.

    “Presently, the House of Representatives is considering a bill to improve the representation of women in our legislative institutions sponsored by myself and other colleagues of mine.”

    Kalu said further that Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), a social development initiative has also prioritized gender issues in its programmes and commended the WODDI founder for organizing the summit for the women, urging the participants to unleash their full potentials accordingly having been rightly motivated.

  • Birthday tribute to Hon. Benjamin Kalu

    Birthday tribute to Hon. Benjamin Kalu

    As the nation’s deputy speaker marks his 53rd birthday it will not sit well with a number of persons like me should my pen not stir itself and dance unto words and treatises in celebrating such an enigma.

    I should have penned this belated piece last week but readers would remember that I had pushed forward the conclusion of my series “Musings On These Men of God” in honour of my late uncle, Professor Gauis Igboeli, who was committed to earth on the 1st of May, 2024. I could not again push back the series as a lot of readers had commented on the first piece and were salivating for the conclusion which I penned last weekend.

    Within the rivers of  Nigerian history, the likes of Kalu have wafted through the numerous currents which has seen him move upwards and higher as an answer to the quest for germane Igbo  and Nigerian Leadership. Kalu’s rise and stewardship seems to have jolted the Nigerian public causing him to become one of the major forces of the Tenth National Assembly. While many Deputy Speakers in the past may have been content with just the appellation and maybe the perks that come with such a position, Kalu has rather bestrode the Green Chambers like a behemoth, impacting the House with his charisma and intellect while working effectively and loyally with the leadership and his colleagues.

    Kalu has been in the eyes of the public since he emerged as spokesperson for the House in the 9th Assembly, he has emerged as a fine politico who is destined for greater things in service to the Nigerian nation. 

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    So at 53 what makes the Prince of Abia thick? As he marks this significant milestone in his life, it is indeed much fitting to reflect on the distinguished member of the House of Representatives representing the Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, alongside his journey, accomplishments, and contributions to the political landscape. Born on the 5th of May, 1971,  Kalu who hails  from a humble background had his primary and secondary education in Bende, then under the East Central State and then under old Imo State.

    Kalu naturally excelled academically and had began demonstrating a keen leadership potential from a young age. He went on to pursue higher education by earning his first degree, an LLB in Law from the University of Calabar.

    His academic background and participation  in student unionism much equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex world of politics and governance. Kalu’s interest in public service led him to join the political arena, where he quickly gained popularity by becoming the 1st President of the People’s Democratic Party in the Diaspora where he ably demonstrated his knack for effective mobilization and caught the eye of the then Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu .  Three stints as the youngest local government helmsman in Bende LGA, SSA on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs  and  then as SSA on Millennium Development Goals  saw Kalu cut his teeth in the politics of Abia State. It was at this point that Kalu honed his leadership skills obviously in preparation for many more opportunities to serve his people.

    Kalu was also to engage in  several other  academic pursuits,  bagging an MBA from Oxford Brookes and a number of professional certificates from prestigious academic institutions all over the world.

    In 2019, Benjamin Kalu contested and won the seat in the House of Representatives, representing the Bende Federal Constituency. Such victory which naturally was an upset remains a testament to his widespread support among the people, who picked a rep member from a then vilified All Progressives Congress as against the candidate of the  darling People’s Democratic Party. On assuming his seat , Kalu was to demonstrate his leadership prowess by representing the House as its spokesperson. It is said that Kalu’s stint as spokesperson remains one of the finest since the inception of such a position with Kalu engaging each and every of the House’s publics with a high level of distinctiveness, let me also state that it was at such a point that I met him and was impressed with his humility.

    As a legislator during  his first stint, Benjamin Kalu was actively involved in the legislative process, sponsoring bills and motions that addressed critical issues such as infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and good governance,  a vocal advocate for transparency, accountability, and effective leadership in government. Kalu stood out amongst his peers as a people’s representative, this naturally earned him a second term.

    Another of Kalu’s notable achievements in office is his role in facilitating the construction of vital infrastructure projects in his constituency, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. Through his advocacy and lobbying efforts, he has secured funding for these projects, which have had a significant impact on the lives of the people in Bende.

    Beyond his legislative duties, Benjamin Kalu is deeply committed to community service and philanthropy. I must not fail to mention his interventions in ensuring that the SouthEast Region is saved from the resultant horrors of the violence that seeks to threaten or overwhelm the region through his Peace in the SouthEast Project (PISE-P) in which He has actively engaged with stakeholders and local organizations and to support initiatives that will promote peace in this part of Nigeria. While it is to early to determine its impact, one must not fail to  commend Kalu for such an idea!

    As Benjamin Kalu celebrates his 53rd birthday, it is impressive that he remains focused on his mission to serve the Nigerian Nation and leave a lasting legacy of progress and development. His dedication to public service, integrity, and progressive  leadership  continue to inspire others millions of Nigerians all over the country

    In conclusion, Benjamin Kalu’s journey from a humble beginning to a distinguished lawmaker is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and commitment to serving others. As he marks his 53rd birthday, he stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, passion, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the world. Here’s to many more years of success, growth, and impactful leadership for Benjamin Kalu.