Impactful Leadership: Kalu Emerges Legislator Of The Year

By Udora Orizu

“True leadership is measured not by the power one holds, but by the lives one serves.”

The above defines the exceptional legislative journey of LEADERSHIP Newspaper ‘Legislator of the Year 2025’ awardee, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu PhD, LL.D, CFR whose tenure has been marked by uncommon dedication to public service, people-centred lawmaking and unwavering commitment to democratic values.

In an era when public trust in governance is constantly tested, true leadership stands out not by noise, but by results. Through thoughtful legislation, effective representation and a consistent focus on the needs of constituents – Nigerians, the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives who represents Bende Federal Constituency has translated responsibility into measurable impact, setting a standard of excellence worthy of emulation and recognition.

It is in recognition of this remarkable leadership and undeniable impact that a leading Nigerian Newspaper, LEADERSHIP, chose Kalu as “Legislator of the Year 2025”.

The editorial board in a piece published October 22, 2025 said the Deputy Speaker was chosen based on “His exceptional record in lawmaking, representation, and oversight; for his intellectual depth, regional vision, and peace-building initiatives that have advanced inclusion, constitutional reform, and national unity.”

The Newspaper stated the absolute facts as throughout the legislative year under review, the ‘Legislator of the Year’ demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the core responsibility of public service. From purposeful representation, people-centered motions, and impactful bills, Benjamin Kalu has consistently placed the needs of the constituents above personal or partisan interests.

Lawmaking:

With more than 150 legislative instruments in the form of bills and motions, Kalu’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth advanced through comprehensive and purposeful legislative action has redefined standards of productivity and impact within the National Assembly.

Among them are landmark bills such as the South East Development Commission, SEDC, Reserved Seats for Women Bill, Michael Okpara University Teaching Hospital (Establishment) Bill, Nigerian Communications Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, University of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act (Amendment) Bill and Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council Act (Amendment) Bill.

Others include; Public Accounts Implementation Tribunal Act (Repeal) Bill, Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy Act (Amendment) Bill, National Social Investment Programme Agency (Establishment) Act (Amendment) Bill, Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, Nigerian Weights and Measures Regulatory Agency Bill Transmitted, Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, Federal Produce Inspection Service (Enforcement of Exports Standards) Bill, Chartered Institute of Health Care Management of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill.

Constituency Development:

Beyond lawmaking, the lawmaker has remained steadfast in delivering transformative constituency projects that directly uplift the lives of his people. Kalu has championed people-centered development through strategic interventions in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

Such interventions include: Construction of 4 class room blocks with 2 offices in Etitiulo primary school Bende, Reconstruction of 2 class room blocks with 2 offices in Amankalu Alayi primary school, Reconstruction of 3 class room blocks with 1 office in central school Bende, Reconstruction of 3 class room blocks with 1 office in Lohum central school, Lohum Imenyi, class room blocks in community primary school Bende, class room blocks in Akpukwa central school Ozuitem.

Others are; construction of civic centre in Ugwueke, Construction of 1.5 kilometers Okputongndiekugo road Bende, Construction of 1.9 Achi quarters road Uzuakoli, Construction of 3 Classrooms with office at Amaba primary school, Ugwueke, Construction of 3 classrooms with office at Amanta Central school, Construction of 260M Amaekpu Item health centre road, Construction of rice processing plants in Akoli Imenyi, Ongoing construction E-learning centre in Alayi, Ongoing Construction of 4 kilometres Etitiulo Ubibia road, Ongoing Restoration of electricity in Bende.

Humanitarian Activities:

For Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, it has always been a life of gumption, philanthropy and empathy.

His commitment to society extends beyond politics. Many years ago, long before he ventured into politics, he founded the Benjamin Kalu Foundation (BKF), focusing on empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities.

For over two decades, the Benjamin Kalu Foundation has touched lives across Nigeria through healthcare, education,and empowerment programmes. The foundation embodies the conviction that representation must extend beyond the chamber to the communities that send leaders there. It is this balance between public duty and private compassion that has made Kalu one of Nigeria’s most admired legislators.

These empowerment programmes hold every 29th of December and for December last year, Kalu announced plans to stimulate economic development in Abia State through a N1 billion support package for 2,000 Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking during a recent town hall meeting of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Bende, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State where he distributed trailer loads of rice, other food items and cash of N100 million to over 100 churches, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and various support groups, Kalu stated that the initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Partners programme to empower residents across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.

Recently too, the Deputy Speaker through the Renewed Hope Partners also donated N500,000,000 to support Abia residents in their businesses. Also, Kalu had during the Yuletide season, supported 12 Bende indigenes with N1million each for their businesses.

Equally, not long ago, through his Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) and the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, the Deputy Speaker launched an initiative to support 5,000 Abia students, taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The special programme is to cover the registration fees for the students drawn from 17 Local Government Areas of the State. Tagged “Education for Peace” the initiative is a part of PISE-P’s broader efforts to address socio-economic challenges and promote peace and development in South East Nigeria.

In his acceptance speech at the award ceremony, the Deputy Speaker said “I am humbled and deeply honoured to receive the Legislator of the Year 2025 Award from Leadership Newspaper, an institution whose commitment to truth, accountability, and the democratic project has remained towering for decades.

“This recognition, however, is not mine alone. It belongs to every Nigerian who believes that legislation must serve the people, not the privileged; that representation must amplify the voiceless, not silence them; and that governance must be measured not by speeches delivered, but by lives transformed.

“Let me begin by acknowledging the visionary leadership of His Excellency,President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. I must also acknowledge the exemplary leadership of Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the Houseof Representatives. I salute Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, for his statesmanship and the seamless synergy between both chambers of the National Assembly.

“As a proud member of the All Progressives Congress, I am honored to serve under a party that has consistently prioritized infrastructural development, economic diversification, and social inclusion.

“Legislation must be people-centered. It must emerge not from the ivory towers of theory, but from the soil of our constituents’ struggles,aspirations, and dreams. Every bill we sponsor, every motion we move,every amendment we propose must answer one question: Does this improve the life of the common Nigerian?

“This award challenges me and all of us in public service to remember the laws are not abstract texts, but instruments of justice, equity, and human dignity. This honour comes with responsibility. It is a call to do more, to reach further, to legislate with even greater courage and compassion.

“The challenges before us as a nation are immense. But I am convinced that with focused legislative action, executive commitment, and citizen engagement, there is no obstacle too great for the Nigerian spirit to overcome.

“To Leadership Newspaper, thank you for holding us accountable. A free press is the oxygen of democracy, and your fearless journalism ensures that we, the elected, never forget that power is a trust, not a trophy.

“To my constituents in Bende Federal Constituency, you are my inspiration. Every legislative session, I carry your voices, your hopes, and your expectations into the hallowed chambers of the ‘Peoples House’.

“To my family, my entire team, and my colleagues, this award is as much yours as it is mine. I return all the glory to God Almighty. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and may God bless the 10th National Assembly.”

In a time when leadership is often confused with position, this honour reminds us that leadership is, above all, about impact. The Legislator of the Year has proven that the legislature can be a force for progress, justice and national development when occupied by individuals of vision and character.

~ Orizu is the Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker on Press Affairs.