Unveiling of Abia Online Media Patrons: Meet , Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Ph.D, CFR

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Ph.D, CFR, is the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where he represents the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State. He is a seasoned legislator, legal practitioner, international businessman, peace advocate, and global thought leader in governance and development.

Kalu’s career spans over two decades of impactful service across the public and private sectors.

He began as Chairman, Bende Local Government Area of Abia state, and later served as Executive Adviser to the Governor of Abia State on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and International Relations before rising to national prominence in the House of Representatives. First elected in 2019, he distinguished himself serving as the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs as well as the Spokesperson of the House. A role is handled with clarity, diplomacy and excellence.

As Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) he leads one of the most consequential national assignments, shaping constitutional reforms that deepen democracy, inclusion, and national unity.

He also represents Nigeria on the global stage as Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament Committee on Administration, Finance and Budget; Member of the Pan-African Parliament; Steering Committee Member of the WTO Parliamentary Conference; and Member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Academically, Kalu is deeply grounded. He holds a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Calabar and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Strategic Studies from the University of Abuja. He also earned an LL.M in Terrorism and International Humanitarian Law (with Distinction) from the University of Calabar, an MBA from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons.) from the University of Calabar. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2011.

Kalu has further enriched his expertise through executive programs at prestigious institutions, including; Leadership for the 21st Century, Harvard Kennedy School, USA, Governance & Development Program, Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami, USA, Environmental Crimes, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), Italy, Migration and Human Rights, John Cabot University, Italy, Illicit Trade, University of Groningen, Netherlands, International Commercial Arbitration, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), UK.

His scholarly contributions include published works on climate adaptation policy, food security, and security sector reforms in Africa, underscoring his role as a scholar-practitioner bridging research and governance.

In the private sector, Kalu has held various leadership positions across Africa, Europe, and Australia including as Director at Solcarbon SA-NV (Belgium), Ozbok Australia PTY LTD (Sydney), and Belcarbon SA (Belgium). He also serves as Principal Arbitrator at Silk Partners LLP (Nigeria), where he advises on commercial law, arbitration, and international business strategy.

Kalu’s passion for peace and development finds expression in the Peace in the South East Project
(PISE-P), an initiative he convened to promote dialogue, inclusivity, and non-kinetic solutions to security challenges in Nigeria’s South East. His humanitarian footprint also extends through the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, which for over two decades has provided interventions in healthcare, education, and empowerment for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, conferred on him the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu stands as a visionary leader for the 21st century blending law, policy, diplomacy, and humanitarianism to shape a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria, Africa, and world.