By Fredrick Njoku
The Coordinator of the South East Creative Economy Summit, Mr. Victor Nwokocha, has extended heartfelt birthday wishes to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CON (Enyi Abia), in celebration of his remarkable contributions to national development of Nigeria and the regional revitalization of Ndigbo.
Mr. Nwokocha, speaking on behalf of the Summit and which is a coalition of key stakeholders from the arts, culture, hospitality, and tourism sectors—hailed Rt. Hon. Kalu as a visionary leader and a true “bulldozer,” whose dynamic efforts are clearing the path for the rebirth and renewed prominence of the South East people in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape.
Highlighting Kalu’s impressive journey, Mr. Nwokocha noted that his meteoric rise is not a surprise given his astute knowledge of legislative process, philanthropy, grassroots popularity, and nationalist outlook especially given that the Bende-born lawmaker hails from a region whose last high-ranking figure was the short reigned former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe who served as Vice President under the Babangida administration. The lawmaker’s amazing performance earned him widespread respect across political divides and solidified his standing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other national leaders.
Commending his collaboration with other leaders of the South East across political divides to promote common interest, Nwokocha emphasized that Kalu’s strategic partnerships have greatly benefited the region. He pointed to the recent signing into law of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Act by President Tinubu as a milestone achievement—crediting Kalu’s advocacy as instrumental in this success. He also praised the appointment of Igbos to key federal ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Works, and State for Finance as signs of renewed national inclusion.
Mr. Nwokocha further acknowledged Kalu’s pivotal role in what he termed the “renaissance of the Igbo nation,” emphasizing the growing respect and influence the South East is regaining on the national stage under his stewardship. Concluding his remarks, Nwokocha offered prayers for continued good health, wisdom, and success for Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and conveyed warm greetings from members of the South East Creative Economy Summit.
