Known in different communities across Nigeria by his diverse chieftaincy titles, former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu, is a Pan-Nigerian, whose personality exemplifies unity.
For those that have come in contact with the business mogul turned politician, you will agree with me that Kalu’s passion for a united and indivisible Nigeria, is obvious from his disposition to life.
As a successful entrepreneur, who was determined to create wealth and employment for Nigerians through his diverse investment portfolios, Kalu places emphasis on competency than tribal sentiments.
Despite being of Igbo origin, Kalu’s footprints in the business and humanitarian circles spread across the six-geopolitical zones of the country. This noble mindset of Kalu is a testament to his firm believe in one Nigeria.
After his suspension from the University of Maiduguri due to his active role in a protest against the management of the institution, as a student activist, Kalu whose parents, had tutored him in the art of commerce, set up a furniture factory in Maiduguri. His furniture business blossomed after he secured a soft loan from his mother, who was a succesful merchant.
Kalu expanded his business concerns into commodity trading as he brought palm oil from the Soutb East to sell in the North while taking agricultural produce from the North to sell in the South East.He was smart by embracing the comparative advantages of each locality in exploring his business opportunities. Kalu equally extended his business concerns into oil and gas. He established his office in Lagos, where he coordinated his oil business and other business ventures. Today, Kalu’s business empire comprising real estate, publishing, hospitality, agriculture, banking, insurance, trading, oil and gas, agriculture and entertainment, has employed a large percentage of the Nigerian populace. With offices, depots, warehouses and other assets across the six-geopolitical zones of the country, Kalu can be best described as a nationalist with a detrabilized mindset.
I decided to pen this write up in commemoration of the conferment of the chieftaincy title of Kibiyan Kabi of Arugungu on Kalu by Emir of Arugungu, Alhaji Mohammed Sama’ila Mera.
Kalu’s contributions to nation building in various capacities are enormous, commendable and worthy of emulation by business and political leaders especially the younger generation.
His humanitarian gestures through the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation have impacted lives positively. The foundation provides soft-loans, scholarships, free medical service, youth and women empowerment programmes, mentorship and political advocacy.
I am not surprised that Kalu who had been conferred with over 150 chieftaincy titles across the country including Aheajamgamba of Igbere, Aku Zulu Igo of Ezi Ama, Mayaki Katsina, Aro of Ogbomosoland, Bobameto of Ijeshaland, Dan Baiwan Hausa of Daura, Dan Galadima of Ilorin, Gbobaniyi of Akure is being honoured by the good people of Arugungu for his good works in all facets of life.
All hail the new Kibiyan Kabi of Arugungu.
Adamu Abass writes from Yola, Adamawa state