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Tag: Kalu

  • Sit-at-home: You are killing SMEs in Southeast – Kalu tells IPOB

    Sit-at-home: You are killing SMEs in Southeast – Kalu tells IPOB

    The Deputy Speaker, House of Representative, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has said the “sit-at-home’’ order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is killing the Southeast geopolitical zone and its businesses.

    He disclosed this on Friday in Abuja when executives of the Nigerian Association of Small And Medium Enterprises (NASMEs) paid him a courtesy visit.

    The NASME executives were led by Mr Abdulrashid Yerima, president of the association.

    Kalu observed that the Southeast geopolitical zone loses between N10 billion and N13 billion in the transportation sector alone on every sit-at-home day weekly.

    “When they sit at home in the Southeast, the Southwest, South-South, Northwest, Northeast and North Central are not sitting at home,’’ Kalu said.

    He observed also that when SMEs in the Southeast suffer, the whole country suffers, stressing that when the Southeast suffers, Nigeria suffers.

    “Prices of goods and services will suffer if there is insecurity in the land,’’ the deputy speaker noted.

    Kalu promised legislative commitment to address concerns raised earlier by the visitors.

    “We must seek the growth of SMEs; there must be law to support it.

    “We must examine existing laws that are not SMEs-friendly. That way, we can address some of the economic challenges facing the country via SMEs,’’ he said.

    Kalu promised to work with NASMEs for the growth, adding that the 10th National Assembly would support its course with positive legislation.

    “We believe in SMEs because without them major corporations cannot exist. We must support and promote the growth of SMEs,’’ Kalu stressed.

    He said also that a recent data indicated that SMEs accounted for 48 per cent of national GDPs in emerging economies, just as the World Bank had declared that SMEs played pivotal role in job creation.

    Earlier, the NASME president appealed to Kalu to facilitate laws that would support the growth of SMEs in Nigeria.

  • NASS committed to biotech innovations for crop improvement, says Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    NASS committed to biotech innovations for crop improvement, says Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has assured of National Assembly’s unwavering commitment to developing in-house capacity for the advancement and utilization of biotechnology innovations in crop improvement.

    Kalu gave the assurance on Monday while declaring open the maiden conference of the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association (NPBA), in Abuja, said the lawmakers have taken significant strides in that direction with the recent passage of the Plant Variety Protection Act 2021.

    The Deputy Speaker stated that the conference themed, “Advancing Plant Breeding Through Biotechnology Innovation: Fostering one Health and Nigeria’s Agenda 2050,” underscores the imperative for Nigeria to embrace innovation, particularly in the realm of biotechnology, to drive precise and efficient crop improvement for sustainable agricultural growth.

    While commending plant breeders for their efforts which enable farmers to have access to diverse crop varieties, Kalu noted that it is incumbent upon the government to commit to funding agricultural innovations, thus motivating breeders to continue their crucial work.

    He advised the country’s plant breeders to explore ways in which they can contribute to global food security, such as collaboration with international organizations and sharing best practices, as it will be instrumental in achieving Agenda 2050 goal.

    He said, “It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to extend a warm and hearty welcome to all participants, both in person and those joining us online, to this groundbreaking event—the maiden conference of the Nigeria Plant Breeding Association (NPBA). The Association is a collective of brilliant minds who have dedicated themselves to the noble cause of enhancing agriculture in our nation. I must emphasize that “plant breeding is a profoundly noble profession.” By this, I mean that no individual can excel in any other profession without the foundation of adequate and nutritious food.

    “These crops, in turn, nourish our citizens, contributing to their overall well-being. We must underscore the vital role that plant breeding plays in ensuring food security and addressing malnutrition. With the global population steadily increasing, we need crop varieties that are not only resilient to climate change but also capable of providing higher yields and improved nutritional content. It is incumbent upon the government to commit to funding agricultural innovations in plant breeding, thus motivating our breeders to continue their crucial work of creating novel crop varieties capable of mitigating the challenges posed by our ever-changing climate. Biotechnology is the key to unlocking the full potential of plant breeding. Embracing biotechnological advancements allows us to accelerate the development of crop varieties with desirable traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and enhanced nutritional value.

    “The integration of cutting-edge technologies like gene editing and precision breeding techniques should be at the forefront of our efforts. Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 encapsulates the hopes and aspirations of our nation for the future. Among these aspirations is the development of mechanisms to ensure a sustainable environment in alignment with global concerns about climate change. We should explore ways in which our nation’s plant breeders can contribute to global food security. Collaborations with international organizations and sharing best practices will be instrumental in achieving this goal.

    “I stand here today, on behalf of the House of Representatives, to solemnly declare our unwavering commitment to developing our in-house capacity for the advancement and utilization of biotechnology innovations in crop improvement. We have taken significant strides in this direction with the recent passage of the Plant Variety Protection Act 2021. In essence, this legislation is designed to ensure that all plant breeders reap the benefits of their painstaking work. I anticipate that this will serve as a powerful incentive for our breeders to continue bringing their best to the table, resulting in the development and dissemination of the finest crop varieties to Nigerian farmers, with tangible effects on our nation’s economy.”

    Signed:

    Udora Orizu, Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Reps to streamline revenue collecting agencies – Deputy Speaker

    Reps to streamline revenue collecting agencies – Deputy Speaker

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Benjamin Kalu, said the parliament would enact laws to streamline multitude of revenue collecting agencies.

    He further said that a law would be enacted to effectively eliminate multiple taxation in Nigeria.

    Kalu said this at the World Bank Fiscal Governance and Institutions Project (FGIP) Focus Group Discussion at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to him, the house is in the process of streamlining the multitude of revenue-collecting agencies as a government.

    He said the streamlining initiative was aimed at improving coordination and crucially reduce duplicity in tax administration, ultimately making the system more efficient, transparent and accountable.

    He said President Bola Tinubu had embarked on a path of fiscal reform that directly addressed some of the most pressing issues in the tax system and overall fiscal policy.

    He said the commitment to reform was a testament to the dedication of the Federal Government towards achieving a more robust and equitable economic landscape.

    “One of the paramount challenges we are currently addressing as a government, is the issue of tax multiplicity, a labyrinthine web of taxes that has placed undue burdens on both individuals and businesses.

    “Simplifying and rationalising this system is imperative to alleviate the compliance burden and to foster an environment conducive to economic growth.

    “In parallel, we have recognised the necessity of modernising revenue collection through automation.”

    He said this strategic move would enhance efficiency and reduce opportunities for corruption and revenue leakage.

    He said there were promising opportunities to introduce
    comprehensive reform bills that would encompass a wide spectrum of objectives.

    This he said, include simplification, modernisation, and consolidation of tax laws, adding that the reforms hold the potential to bring about increased clarity and efficiency.

    He added that it would benefit both taxpayers and tax administrators.

  • NDDC Board Appointments: Kalu lauds Tinubu’s choice of technocrats, hails Abia Rep, Eruba

    NDDC Board Appointments: Kalu lauds Tinubu’s choice of technocrats, hails Abia Rep, Eruba

     

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has lauded the appointment of technocrats on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), saying it was necessary in achieving the desired objectives of the agency.

    In a congratulatory message to the Abia State representative on the NDDC Board, Mr. Dimgba Eruba, personally signed by him and made available to Journalists in Abuja on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the deputy speaker said that the choice of technocrats speaks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s adeptness at ensuring that NDDC was given a facelift by people with requisite knowledge and experience.

    Kalu commended the President for appointing Eruba, saying it was a testament to the appointee’s exceptional commitment to the progress and wellbeing of Abia State, the Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria in general.

    While tasking Eruba on the performance that will yield positive results, the Deputy Speaker also assured of his continued support in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu to enable the Board function very effectively.

    He said: “I am profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed
    Tinubu for this appointment. It underscores President Tinubu’s
    adeptness at ensuring that NDDC is led by qualified and experienced technocrats with requisite knowledge to make a difference in the lofty ideals of the Renewed Hope agenda of the present administration to which we are all part of.

    “It further speaks volumes about your pivotal role in mobilizing the oil-
    producing communities in Abia State during the last presidential
    election.

    “I have never doubted Mr. President’s dedication to all Nigerians
    irrespective of their circumstance or station in life provided they
    demonstrate the competence for public service.

    “I am confident in your capacity to excel and deliver on the mandate
    entrusted to you.

    “I therefore pledge my unwavering support towards helping you to
    achieve our shared objectives. Together, we will work to improve the
    fortunes of the agency for the good of the people.”

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Open Parliament: Reps ‘ll begin town hall meetings soon to encourage civic participation – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Open Parliament: Reps ‘ll begin town hall meetings soon to encourage civic participation – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    …says accessible, accountable legislature will thrive democracy

    Town hall meetings to encourage civic participation in the proceedings of the House of Representatives are imminent, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said.

    The development is a part of the measures adopted by the House to boost the open parliament initiative where the citizens are given the opportunity to follow the legislative functions of the parliament.

    Giving his goodwill message at a National Dialogue convened by OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative, the Nigeria’s pre-eminent legislative think-tank, themed “Mainstreaming Open Parliament into the 10th Assembly Legislative Agenda” on Wednesday in Abuja, the Deputy Speaker, said that a parliament that is accessible, transparent, and accountable is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy.

    He said: “The theme of this dialogue, “Mainstreaming Open Parliament into the 10th Assembly Legislative Agenda,” resonates deeply with the core values of participatory governance that we, the 10th Assembly, have pledged to uphold.

    “Our commitment to align with the goals and ambitions of this dialogue is unwavering. As we deliberate on the critical intersections of transparency, civic participation, and public accountability, let me share with you some of the cogent plans that the 10th Assembly has in store to further these ideals.

    “Firstly, we recognize that to achieve the lofty goals set by the Open Parliament Index (OPI), we must prioritize the standards of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), the Principles of
    Parliamentary Openness, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) indicators for democratic parliaments. The adoption of these benchmarks underscores our determination to create a parliament that is not only accessible but also responsive to the needs and aspirations of our constituents.

    “Secondly, the 10th Assembly is committed to embracing technology and innovation to enhance transparency and participation. We understand that in an era defined by rapid technological advancements, an open parliament must utilize digital tools to bridge the gap between citizens and their representatives.

    “This assembly is resolute in its pursuit of leveraging technology to streamline communication, facilitate access to information, and enable meaningful engagement between citizens and their elected officials.

    “Furthermore, participatory governance is not a mere buzzword for us; it is the cornerstone of our legislative agenda. We intend to establish mechanisms that enable citizens to actively participate in the legislative process, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. Through randomized and hybrid town hall meetings which you will see from my office starting next year, online platforms, and collaborative policy discussions which will commence from my office later this year in the form of a policy dialogue event, we aim to create an inclusive space where every citizen’s opinion counts.

    “As the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, I am personally committed to leading the way for innovation and transformation in the realm of participatory governance and open parliament. I firmly believe that a parliament that is accessible, transparent, and accountable is
    the cornerstone of a thriving democracy. It is with this conviction that I pledge to champion initiatives that promote openness, transparency, and civic engagement”.

    Emphasizing that the national dialogue on open parliament was a catalyst for change, Kalu added that the outcomes of the deliberations will be presented to the leadership of the National Assembly for possible mainstreaming into the legislative agenda, stressing that the dialogue signifies a crucial step towards achieving a government that is truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

    Signed:
    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • We’ll provide legal framework to boost direct foreign investments – DS Kalu

    We’ll provide legal framework to boost direct foreign investments – DS Kalu

    …says President Tinubu has robust economic agenda for Nigeria

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has assured that the House of Representatives will priotize legislations that will boost Direct Foreign Investments, DFIs and make Nigeria the best business destination in Africa.

    Kalu gave the assurance on Friday when the Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Hungary, Ambassador Gabor Krauss paid him a courtesy visit.

    The deputy speaker also stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a robust economic agenda that will reposition Nigeria’s business climate.

    He said: “Nigeria is big with regards to playing a major role in the global market and anybody who sees the opportunity now and steps in stands to benefit from the market share that is going to spring up from Nigeria.

    “I say so because we will be leveraging the Africa continental trade agreement, that we are all signatories to, that will be commencing soon. Most companies around the world are seeing beyond their own continents and looking into the continent of Africa.

    “You know if you come to African continent, the biggest market is Nigeria. So anyone who’s going to be strategically positioned to benefit from the Africa continental trade agreement cannot avoid Nigeria.

    “So what you’re doing now is good for your country, by sniffing out opportunities, closer to your people to embrace. I want to promise that from this office which is the office of the Deputy Speaker, ours is to make sure that we provide the legal framework that will enable foreign direct investments and increase confidence in the business environment. All policies that will have to increase the confidence of investors, we will make sure we champion that through legislative interventions.

    “Because we have seen, though from another arm of government, that the current president, means well for the nation. Being a man who has been in the private sector for many years, public sector as a governor, as a member of the parliament who has done critical analysis, I can assure you he has a sharp focus on what he wants to do in Nigeria, economically speaking.

    “We are here to give him all the support, so any foreign direct investor that wants to come in should have at the back of their mind, that he’s only going to get support from the executive but the legislature is another place they can run to for comfort. We will make sure we fine tune all the areas of bottlenecks to enable new companies spring up. Thank you for this visit. I’m sure it won’t be the only time we will engage. If there’s anyway we can help, kindly let us know”.

    Speaking earlier, Ambassador Krauss said his mission was to communicate to the deputy speaker their plan to bring more investments and humanitarian projects to Nigeria.

    Krauss said that they recently visited Abia State where they sought to establish a factory as a joint venture that will see the Hungarian government bringing the technology while the state will provide the land.

    He said that there were more Hungarian companies which will be doing business in the country, adding that his country has equally offered a lot of scholarship opportunities to Nigerian students.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Work with Reps to fix Nigeria’s housing problems, Kalu urges stakeholders

    Work with Reps to fix Nigeria’s housing problems, Kalu urges stakeholders

    …decries report of 16.9 million nation’s housing deficit

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has called for the collective effort of all the stakeholders in the housing sector to fix the inherent challenges such as the massive deficit of units.

    He said that the 10th House was willing to work with the stakeholders to meet the people’s housing needs.

    Giving his goodwill message as a special guest at the 17th Africa International Conference on Housing in Abuja on Monday, Kalu who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Toby Okechukwu bemoaned the report of 16. 9 million housing deficit in Nigeria.

    The Deputy Speaker said that the report placed Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, and Abuja as cities that have 20 percent rise in housing needs yearly.

    He said: “I would like to start with a look at the current state of housing in Nigeria. As you know, it is self evident that we have a huge housing deficit presently in
    Nigeria. According to a study by researchers at the African Development
    Bank in the ‘Housing Market Dynamics in Africa’, there is a housing deficit of up to 16.9 million units. According to the World Bank, Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, and Abuja, has a 20 percent rise in housing needs yearly.

    “Current total output in the formal housing sector is estimated at no more than 100,000 units. While well corroborated data does not exist, it is clear that the formal sector is only producing a fraction of the total number of urban units needed each year.

    “This is a major problem, as it has a negative impact on our economy and
    on the quality of life of our citizens.
    There are a number of factors that have contributed to the housing deficit in
    Nigeria. These include rapid urbanization, population growth, and a lack of affordable housing finance.

    “The housing deficit in Nigeria is a major challenge that needs to be
    addressed. The 10th House of Representatives, led by the Speaker, Rt.
    Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, is committed to working with stakeholders to find
    solutions.

    “The 10th House of Representatives is willing and able to partner with stakeholders to enable Nigerians benefit from an improved Housing Sector. We are willing when approached by stakeholder inputs to expend our legislative powers to fixing Nigeria’s housing sector challenges. It must also be stated that the development of Housing would be difficult without huge investments in key infrastructure like roads, urban planning, waste management, and energy. As is the theme of this event, we need to make housing happen in Nigeria.

    “We urge you to approach the House with your ideas and actionable plans
    for a better Housing Sector. We need your inputs to ensure that the housing
    sector in Nigeria delivers on its promise to provide housing for all.

    “Specifically, we encourage you to propose ideas on how to make it easier to access affordable housing finance; invest in infrastructure to make it easier to build and develop new
    housing units; promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) to bring together the resources of the government and the private sector to address the
    housing deficit.

    “We believe that your ideas will be valuable in helping the executive led by
    President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to develop a
    comprehensive plan to address the housing deficit in Nigeria.”

    Expressing his displeasure with the mortgage system that had apparently made it difficult for the common man to own a house; and the divergent views of Nigerians on the land use act, Kalu said that the lawmakers still had a duty of enacting impactful legislations.

    “The lack of affordable housing finance is a major problem. In order to access a mortgage in Nigeria, you would need to have a large down payment and a high credit score. This is very difficult for many Nigerians, as they often do not have the financial resources to meet these requirements. Consequently, a majority of Nigerians are excluded from access to housing finance.

    “There are varying views regarding the impact of Land Use Act on the
    development of the Housing and Mortgage market in Nigeria. Some hold
    the view that the Act makes land and mortgage transactions time-consuming and expensive, and could be subject to inappropriate political influence and corruption.

    “There is also belief that the Land Use Act is a necessary legislation required for the protection of all Nigerians and that it provides a framework for orderly development in Nigeria. In response to these challenges, the National Assembly called for a Memoranda on whether the Land Use Act should be removed from the Constitution on May 7, 2012. The eventual outcome was that the removal
    of the Act was not accepted by Nigerians.

    “Whatever your views are on the Land Use Act, we as legislators by the
    constitution and by law are duty bound to legislate for the order and good governance of Nigeria. The Housing Sector is definitely part of it”, Kalu said

  • Abia AA demands annulment of House Dep. Speaker, Kalu’s election

    Abia AA demands annulment of House Dep. Speaker, Kalu’s election

    The Action Alliance (AA) in Abia has asked the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia to annul the election of the House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Mr Benjamin Kalu of APC.

    The party hinged its demand on the alleged exclusion of its name and logo from the ballot for the February 25 poll.

    Mohammed Ndalahi (SAN), the Counsel for the party’s candidate, Mr Ifeanyi Igbokwe, made the request during the tribunal’s sitting on Saturday.

    Speaking under cross-examination by Ndalahi, the deputy speaker, Kalu, and APC witness, Cyril Kwubiri, alleged that Igbokwe was not validly nominated by AA, hence did not participate in the election.

    Kwubiri, however, admitted that none of the documents he tendered in court to support his claim that Igbokwe was not validly nominated emanated from APC.

    The three-member panel, led by Justice Samson Gang, adjourned sitting to Aug. 14 for the adoption of the final written addresses by all the parties.

    Also, speaking under cross-examination in another suit challenging his eligibility to participate in the election, Kalu denied forging his credentials contrary to the allegation by the Labour Party Candidate, Chief Frank Chinasa.

    Chinasa had alleged in his petition that the credentials presented to INEC by Kalu had fatal discrepancies.

    He, therefore, urged the tribunal to nullify his election, arguing that he was unfit to participate in the poll.

    The tribunal on Thursday, admitted in evidence, nine different documents tendered by Chinasa to support his petition that Kalu’s credentials were fraught with discrepancies in names.

    The petitioners had argued that Form EC9, submitted to INEC by Kalu, bore ‘Osisiogu Benjamin Okezie’.

    They further posited that other documents, including his birth certificate, first degree certificate, NYSC Certificate and WASC bore ‘Kalu Benjamin Okezie’, and ‘Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu’, respectively.

    In his defence, Kalu tendered seven documents, including the judgment of an Abia High Court, confirming his change of name.

    He also tendered a Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria official gazette number 49, volume 107 of 26th March 2020; letter from the Supreme Court; newspaper publication and a Deed Pool – all confirming harmonisation of his name.

    He faulted the CTCs of the petitioners’ exhibits alleging discrepancies in his documents, saying they did not bear stamps from the issuing institutions.

    Counsel for APC, Vigilus Nwankwo, also told the tribunal to reject the said CTCs since they lacked INEC stamp.

    In the same vein, the INEC Counsel, Ogochukwu Onyekwuluke, disowned the documents, pointing out that the petitioners’ CTCs did not bear the commission’s stamp.

    All the seven documents were admitted by the tribunal as exhibits, in spite of an objection by Chinasa’s Counsel, Yunus Usman (SAN).

    Usman said they would incorporate the reasons for their injection to the admissibility of the documents in their final written addresses.

    The matter was adjourned to Aug. 14 for adoption of the final written addresses by all parties.

    NAN

  • How South East lost N4trn over insecurity within 24months-Dep Speaker, Kalu

    How South East lost N4trn over insecurity within 24months-Dep Speaker, Kalu

    …calls for collective efforts to end menace

     

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Friday, said that about N4 trillion has been lost to the stay-at-home problem in the south east region within the last 2 years.

    Kalu also said that the situation observed every Monday in the region with the 5 States of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebony and Imo has crippled businesses and also stifled opportunities for economic growth.

    Delivering a keynote address at the “All Markets Conference 2023” with the theme: “Catalysing Partnership with Traders through Innovation, Technology, Analytics & Sustainability” in Lagos, the deputy speaker said the situation had forced potential investors out of the south east.

    Kalu who noted that violence was alien to region therefore called for a collective efforts by all Igbo sons and daughters to end the menace.

    He said, “The existential threat to Igbo entrepreneurship and businesses now is the insecurity and sit-at-home problem in the south-east. The mutation of this
    problem is largely unfathomable. It is becoming a cankerworm that is eating
    deep into our collective fortune as a people. We have to rise up to nip the
    problem in the bud. The first wave of the migration of Igbo businesses post-civil war was in the late 1980s and the 1990s, when, due to incessant kidnappings, thievery and a rise in occultism, Igbo businesses domiciled in Igboland moved
    en masse to other parts of Nigeria and the west & central African region to
    thrive. We are currently witnessing the second wave of such migration of
    Igbos businesses, this time around, due to the insecurity and the sit-at-home problem in our beloved region. Ummunnem, this is not us. We are not known for these. If I do not tell you these truths as your son, then it will be difficult for anyone in governance from Ala-Igbo to tell you. I am pained by what our dear land has become. We have to be honest and sincere with ourselves. In conclusion, I make a heartfelt plea to each and every one of you.

    “We cannot afford to retreat from our business endeavors. The stay-at-home
    order on Mondays has resulted in staggering losses of 4 trillion Naira in the
    last two years in the Southeast alone according to statistical data. This is also affecting the businesses of our
    brothers across Nigeria especially in the supply-chain. We must find lasting
    solutions to the security challenges in Igboland, addressing them collectively with innovative strategies. My brothers and my sisters. We must think and think again!”

    Emphasizing that the constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement, Kalu however urged Igbo people resident outside their region to live in peace with their host communities.

    “While we strive for success and growth, we must also address the threats
    faced by Igbo businesses across Nigeria. I want to emphasize here that our
    constitutional rights protect us. Section 41 sub-section 1 of the 1999
    Constitution guarantees every citizen of Nigeria the freedom to move, reside, and trade anywhere within the country. This constitutional backing supports our business endeavors, as long as we contribute positively to our host communities and maintain peaceful and friendly relationships.

    “In this spirit, let us remember the longstanding harmonious relationship
    between the Yorubas and the Igbo, especially in Lagos and other parts of
    the Southwest. We have come a long way together, both economically and
    politically. We can draw inspiration from past collaborations, such as Sir
    Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu’s role as the founding president of The Nigerian
    Stock Exchange in Lagos, and the partnership between Nnamdi Azikiwe
    and Sir Herbert Badmus Macaulay during the glory days of the then
    National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)”, he said.

    Kalu also called for the revival of Igbo apprenticeship system, a time tested practice which he said had produced successful business men and women, stressing that it should not be allowed to go into extinction.

    “I want to draw your attention to a remarkable aspect of our economic
    history—the “Igba-Boi” Apprenticeship System otherwise called the Igbo
    Apprenticeship system by Business and Economics experts worldwide. This time-honored tradition has played a pivotal role in the growth of capital formation in Igboland, especially during the challenging post-civil war recovery period.

    “It is a system that has been studied extensively by renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School, with business cases dedicated to showcasing its unique merits in top business schools worldwide. Today, it stands as a shining example of excellent venture capital in the world. However, let us pause for a moment and ask ourselves a rhetorical
    question: How many of us in this conference still have apprentices?
    Perhaps a few. As we reflect on this, we must acknowledge that the “Igba-Boi” apprenticeship system is going into extinction, but we must be innovative in our approach to revive and sustain it. We cannot afford to let this invaluable heritage fade away, for it carries the seeds of our future prosperity.

    “This draws down to another important question we must ponder on – should we formalize the Igba-Boi Apprenticeship system? What I mean here is whether a national apprenticeship system should be set up that adopts the core element of the Igba-Boi apprenticeship system and combines it with the conventional education system in Nigeria to optimize the benefits for our teeming youth. This is why my office is open to you all umunnem! Please feel free to come
    and engage in this fruitful discourse as we look for the way forward to advance a core element of our rich economic and business practices and ensure that it is sustainable for future generations.

    “Ummunem na Umunnam, Igbo bu Igbo, let me assure you that as the Deputy Speaker, working with my colleagues from the South East in the National Assembly are committed to this task in the next four years of the current administration. Together, we will work towards an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria”, Kalu added.

  • 10th Senate: Election was transparent, Akpabio won – Uzor Kalu

    10th Senate: Election was transparent, Akpabio won – Uzor Kalu

    Aftermath of the 10th Senate Presidential election, Senator Orji Kalu has said that contrary to certain claims making the rounds, the election in the Senate was transparent, free and fair.

    Kalu while reacting to claims that some Senators under the umbrella of the ruling All Progressives Congress, might be trying to cross-carpet following the outcome of the June 13 election that saw Akpabio become Senate President of the 10th National Assembly.

    Akpabio had trounced Senator Abdul’aziz Yari to emerge the new Senate President, with the former Akwa Ibom governor being returned elected after scoring 63 votes defeating Yari who scored 46 votes.

    This decision did not sit well with Yari and the former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, alleged that he was betrayed by some of his colleagues.

    Reacting to Yari’s claims and to the assertions that this election might make some lawmakers move to another party in the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu said there was no funny-business conducted on the red chamber, adding that Akpabio won fair and square.

    “Let me be honest with you, the election in the Senate was transparent. Akpabio won the election. It was free, it was fair,” the lawmaker asserted.

    “I can’t lie to my conscience, Akpabio won the election hands down. There was no comparison on who won the election; if there is anything any other person has wants to say, that is their business but Akpabio to my conscience, to my seeing, to my honour, he won the election. ”

    Kalu who was Chief Whip of the last Senate, said everyone has congratulated Akpabio because all the Senators agree that election was fair to all who contested for the seat of the Senate President.

    While congratulating the CNA, the Clerk and all staff of the Senate, the former Abia State governor argued that the Senate is not divided.

    “There is no two Senate, there is only one Senate. On the 13th of June was the day we had one Senate.

    “There is no pro-Akpabio and against Akpabio. Even Yari himself understands that all the Senators need to work with Akpabio, he is the Senate President.”