Benjamin Okezie Kalu (born on May 5, 1971) in Agbamuzu, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. He is a member of the House of Representatives representing Bende federal constituency, Abia State. He is currently the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria.
HON. BENJAMIN OKEZIE KALU DEPUTY SPEAKER, FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES He is very well read as he holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Business Administration from Oxford Brookes University, a Master of Law in Terrorism and International Humanitarian Law (Distinction), and a Bachelor of Law (LLB Hons.) from the University of Calabar. Kalu was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing his studies at the Nigeria Law School in Enugu State, Nigeria.
In addition to his formal education, Kalu has obtained several certifications in Migration and Human Rights from John Cabot University, Italy, Illicit Trade from the University of Groningen, Netherlands, Governance and Development from Miami Herbert Business School, Miami University, USA, Environmental Crimes from the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), Italy and International Commercial Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (CIARB) at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
Since his entrance into the house, Rt. Hon Kalu has been a dynamic member of the 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, He has been instrumental in amending acts such as the Acts Authentication Act and the Nigerian Communications Act, and in proposing new legislative initiatives like the Federal Capital Territory Education Resource Centre and the National Inspector-General for Tax Crimes Commission.
However, 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.
These empowerment programmes hold every 29th of December.
The Benjamin Kalu Foundation also awarded bursaries to over 400 Bende undergraduates to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations in 2019.
Kalu, had then stated that the reason for the initiative was to fill a gap in the education sector and was borne out of his passion for the educational emancipation of Bende people. He further noted that the beneficiaries were chosen by his foundation across all communities in Bende, regardless of political affiliations.
Benjamin Kalu Foundation also kicked off the End Blindness Project, an outreach targeting thousands of Bende indigenes for eye examinations, treatment, surgery and glasses prescription.
The Foundation, in October 2023, collaborated with Vision Saver Eye Care Limited and organized a three-day medical outreach in Bende. The exercise witnessed a massive turnout of constituents who needed medical attention for their eyes with over 1200 people receiving medications, medical eye glasses, and cataract surgeries.
When the progress report from the medical team was given to him, the Deputy Speaker emphasized that the project is not just for Bende Federal Constituency but for the entire nation as well. According to him, the outreach will be extended to other parts of the country.
The Life of Rt. Hon. Kalu has always been a life of gumption, philanthropy, empathy, determination, and courage.
A good instance of his love for humanity and his empathy on the less privileged in society, He, recently on the 5th of May celebrated his 53rd birthday with pensioners, widows, orphans and the underserved people in the society.
Additionally, 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.
He has received many awards in honour of his good works both in the house and as a humanitarian.
- He has been awarded the Valuable Parliamentarian by Order Paper,
- Outstanding Representative Member of the Year at the Democracy Heroes Award Africa.
- 2021 Zik’s Award of Excellence on Civic Engagement.
- South East and Abia State Federal Lawmaker of the Year Award by Independent Newspaper.
- Outstanding Legislative Contribution Award towards Improving Tuberculosis policy and Funding in Nigeria.
- Leadership Excellence (LEEX) Awards
- 2019 Humanitarian Service Award.
- FLO FM Icon Award as the Most Impactful Lawmaker of the Year.
- Model of Media and Public Relation Matters Award.
He is married with Children. The Board and Organizing Committee of Humanitarian Service Diamond Awards hereby present Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu for Lifetime Humanitarian Achiever in Parliament.
