Abia State Govt Honors Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu With Grand Civic Reception

 

 

Abia State Government, on Thursday organized a Grand Civic Reception in honor of her illustrious son and Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives,Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu in recognition of his laudable contributions and selfless service to the State.

The event, held at the Ochendo International Conference Center Umuahia,showcased a rare bipartisan gathering of dignitaries, was attended by prominent figures from across the various political divides including, Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Dr. Uchechukwu Oga, Nwadiala Emeka Nwogu among others.

Speaking at the ceremony Governor Alex Otti who described Rt Hon Kalu as a good man who deserves encomiums and celebration from the people of Abia, said the legislator has distinguished himself and identified the purpose for which he was elected, in addition to his notable contribution to improving security and welfare of his people.

Governor Otti emphasized that despite political affiliations, the state government chose to honor Kalu for his commendable contributions and selfless service to the state.

“What we have done today is what should be done. Rt Hon Ben Kalu deserves all the encomiums, all the celebration, and if we continue to celebrate him till the end of this year, we wouldn’t have done too much. Why? Because first and foremost he is a good man with good spirit. From my own personal bias, he is my younger brother, my friend of several years, more than fifteen twenty years.”

Addressing the recent signing of the 2024 budget by his adminstration, Governor Otti assured that funds are available for the implementation of the 2024 budget.

He asserted that the present government under his leadership has a well-articulated vision for the state and encouraged those with investments outside Abia to consider bringing them home.

‘If you do have your investment sited somewhere else, this is the time to bring them down to Abia State. Abia is open for business, foreign investors are coming.

“Gone are the days when leaders would take a flight to relocate abroad and tell you they are looking for foreign investments. My message to all of us is that we must fix our home and when we fix our home, other people will come and invest”, Gov Otti insisted.

He saluted members of the National and State Houses of Assemblies as well as Abians for their support,and assured of better things to come in 2024.

 

In his remarks, the celebrant, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu said he was deeply humbled by the civic reception and acknowledged the Governor Otti’s commitment to the advancement of Abia State and emphasized the deliberate efforts of the present adminstration in restoring vital infrastructure.

“We have seen, under your leadership the intentionality for restoring critical infrastructure, especially with roads and urban renewal in concurrence with a renewed focused on education and healthcare.”

He said, he believes that quality governance transcends political affiliations, adding that “for Abia to flourish, we must all unite, regardless of party lines.

“I am proud to assert that my leadership philosophy revolves around the idea that we can only impact well when we partner, irrespective of political affiliations and I want to declare to Nigerians that the Governor of Abia State is my truest partner in the development of the State”.

 

In their goodwill messages some Abians including, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Oga and Nwadiala Emeka Nwogu
applauded Governor Alex Otti for his developmental strides in the state.

They lauded the synergy and
perfect blend of politics of collaboration between Governor Otti and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu irrespective of party differences and affirmed that haven distinguished himself in the political landscape of Nigeria,Rt. Hon. Kalu deserves to be celebrated.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Johnson Chukwu commended Governor Alex Otti for hosting Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu and described the event as an uncommon one as both the Governor and the Deputy Speaker are of different political parties.

He emphasised that political parties are vehicles to political position while governance is the most important thing and appreciated the fact that both of them are delivering the purpose leadership which is touching lives positively.

The event which featured conferment of Chietaincy title of ENYI ABIA on Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, attracted Members of the National Assembly, the Speaker and Members of the Abia State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Mayors of the LGAs, Traditional Rulers, led by the Chairman,Abia Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, Arcbishop Chibuzor Opoko, Bishop Sunday Onuoha among other dignitaries.