By Saeed Tijjani
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing the Abia North Senatorial District, has been receiving widespread acclaim for his performance in the 10th Senate.
His dedication to delivering tangible development projects and empowerment programs has significantly impacted the lives of his constituents, with his achievements being recognized even outside the South-East region.
People from other regions of the country who have learned about Senator Kalu’s work have reportedly questioned the effectiveness of their own lawmakers.
A few days ago, news of Senator Kalu’s sponsorship of three young men from his district for postgraduate studies in China spread rapidly across social media and websites. The scholarships, facilitated through the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC), generated widespread praise and commendation.
As a resident of the North Central region, I specifically saw comments from people commending the distinguished Senator for this laudable initiative, with some asking if their own representatives were truly committed to similar strategic achievements.
The sponsorship of these young men demonstrates Senator Kalu’s commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development.
Like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with whom he served as governor from 1999 to 2007, Senator Kalu is known for his dedication to mentoring and creating opportunities for young people to succeed.
As the Chairman of several notable organizations, including SLOK Holding, the Daily Sun, and New Telegraph newspapers, Senator Kalu has provided job opportunities for thousands of youths nationwide. He has also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of young Nigerians through various entrepreneurship schemes and interventions, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Senator Kalu believes that quality education is crucial for empowering young people to face challenges beyond the classroom. This conviction led to the “Red Roof Revolution” initiative, which aims to revamp dilapidated school buildings in all primary schools across his district. The program also provides educational materials and sponsors students with scholarships. This initiative has been widely commended by his constituents, with people from other regions expressing a desire for their own representatives to undertake similar projects.
Senator Kalu’s empowerment programs have positively impacted the lives of his constituents, providing them with access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
The numerous awards he has received from various groups and individuals are a testament to his excellent work in Abia North.
His landmark revitalization of schools, rural electrification projects, and healthcare support have earned him accolades from constituents, colleagues, and even political opponents.
Senator Kalu’s consistent achievements have reportedly left his opposition in awe and confusion.
According to some observers, their attempts to criticize him have inadvertently promoted his good works, leading Nigerians to view him as a benchmark for effective governance.
It is interesting to note that while Senator Kalu has not declared any intention to vie for the Senate Presidency (a position that is not even a contested seat in this context), some opposing camps have started raising alarms, claiming he wants to contest the position. This reaction may stem from their fear of his growing influence and the respect he commands for his accomplishments. Instead of embracing his achievements in good faith, they have chosen a different path.
Undistracted by these claims, Senator Kalu has shown on several occasions that he is committed to continuously delivering the dividends of democracy to his people.
He remains dedicated to the progress of our nation by working closely with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to deliver more opportunities for his constituents.
Saeed Tijjani is a PR Strategist and Digital Media Expert, writes from Ilorin.