Orji Kalu Media Centre

January 2026

Senator Orji Kalu: Championing economic development in Abia State

Senator Orji Kalu: Championing economic development in Abia State

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a figure synonymous with political resilience and visionary leadership, has long been a driving force behind the economic resurgence of Abia State. As a former governor and now a senator, Kalu’s contributions to economic growth, job creation, and infrastructural development have left an indelible mark on the state. His efforts not only revitalized Abia’s economy but also positioned it as a beacon of hope for sustainable development in Nigeria’s Southeast region.

Revitalizing Abia’s Economy: A Visionary Approach
When Senator Orji Kalu assumed office as the governor of Abia State in 1999, the state’s economy was in dire straits. The industrial backbone, once vibrant, had deteriorated, and unemployment was rampant. Understanding the critical need for economic rejuvenation, Kalu implemented a multi-faceted approach that targeted key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and trade.

One of Kalu’s flagship initiatives was the revitalization of the Enyimba Economic City project, a public-private partnership aimed at transforming Abia into a global business hub. The project, which covers over 9,464 hectares of land, is designed to house industrial parks, business districts, and residential areas. With an estimated potential to create over 625,000 jobs and generate $5 billion in annual revenue, the Enyimba Economic City stands as a testament to Kalu’s commitment to sustainable economic development.

Infrastructural Development: Laying the Foundation for Growth
Kalu’s administration was marked by an aggressive push for infrastructural development, recognizing it as the bedrock of economic progress. His government invested heavily in road construction and rehabilitation, connecting rural areas to urban centers and facilitating the movement of goods and people across the state. The Umuahia-Ohafia Road, a critical artery in Abia’s transport network, was one of the numerous road projects completed under his tenure. This road not only improved accessibility but also stimulated economic activities in previously isolated communities.

In addition to road infrastructure, Kalu’s administration prioritized the development of healthcare and educational facilities. He spearheaded the construction of modern hospitals and schools across the state, ensuring that the workforce was healthy and educated—key ingredients for economic productivity. The Abia State University Teaching Hospital, which he upgraded, became a center of medical excellence in the region, attracting healthcare professionals and boosting the local economy.

Job Creation: Empowering the People
Job creation was a cornerstone of Kalu’s economic agenda. Understanding that employment is a critical driver of economic stability and social harmony, he launched several initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment, particularly among the youth. The Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), introduced during his tenure, provided vocational training and entrepreneurship support to thousands of young people, equipping them with the skills needed to start their own businesses or secure gainful employment.

https://guardian.ng/news/senator-orji-kalu-championing-economic-development-in-abia-state/

Senator Orji Kalu: Championing economic development in Abia State Read More »

Arochukwu: Ifeanyi Elvis Hosts Senator Orji Kalu, Commends Lawmaker On Projects

Prominent Abia Politician and Business Mogul Mr. Ifeanyi Elvis Ogbonna on Sunday hosted Abia-North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu at his residence in Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state.

The 2023 Arochukwu State Assembly candidate lauded Kalu, the Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC ) for his steadfastness in executing critical infrastructure projects across Abia-North Senatorial District including his human empowerment drive.

The Chairman of Ogbonna Ignes Investment Limited also congratulated the former Governor on wining the Senate Press Award on “Constituency Projects Execution”.

Ifeanyi lauded Orji Kalu; ” I am thankful for finding time to come to my home , your Award on project execution is not surprising at all looking at the roads , schools and other critical Infrastructures. I urge you not to relent Sir.”

In his response, the Senator appreciated Ifeanyi for his reception, Kalu praised the Politician’s human development endeavours.

“He are a young man full of ingenuity and desire for human emancipation, I thank him for the warm reception”, Kalu expressed.

https://aljazirahnews.com/arochukwu-ifeanyi-elvis-hosts-senator-orji-kalu-commends-lawmaker-on-projects/

Arochukwu: Ifeanyi Elvis Hosts Senator Orji Kalu, Commends Lawmaker On Projects Read More »

Kalu praised for Amankalu–Abiriba road project in Abia North

Constituents in Amankalu, Abiriba, and nearby towns have praised Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for initiating an additional stretch of the Amankalu–Abiriba Junction (Ogidiala) Road project. The strategic road is seen as vital for grassroots development in Abia North Senatorial District.


Chief J. C. Ukoha, speaking for the community via Igbere Voice from the diaspora on Monday, May 5, 2025, said, “The ongoing asphalting of the road, which links Amankalu to the Igbere-Abiriba Road, marks a major milestone in Senator Kalu’s commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in the people of Abia North Senatorial District.”

He added, “This is more than a road project. It is a lifeline that connects communities, stimulates economic growth, and brings development closer to the people.”

Ukoha, calling Kalu “Ahaejiagamba,” praised his consistent delivery of constituency projects since 2019. “Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is not only fulfilling promises—he is redefining what effective representation means. No senator in the history of Abia North has delivered a quarter of what he has done,” he noted. The project is part of Kalu’s broader effort to modernise rural infrastructure across Abia North.

Regarding the 2027 elections, Ukoha declared, “There is no vacancy in Abia North Senatorial District in 2027,” affirming constituents’ support for Kalu’s continued representation.

The road’s progress, evidenced by construction site photos, underscores Kalu’s visionary leadership and people-first governance.

https://thesun.ng/kalu-praised-amankalu-abiriba-road-abia-north

Kalu praised for Amankalu–Abiriba road project in Abia North Read More »

Group commends Orji Kalu for selfless service to Abia North

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has expressed deep appreciation for Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s dedication to the people of Abia North, commending his exceptional commitment to public service.

In a statement signed by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, COSEYL lauded Senator Kalu for going beyond the usual expectations of a lawmaker by personally funding various development projects that have significantly improved the lives of his constituents. The group described his selfless contributions as an inspiring example of true leadership.

According to COSEYL, one of the most remarkable demonstrations of Senator Kalu’s commitment was his personal funding of a road project in Ndi-Orieke community, Ohafia Local Government Area. The road, which had been impassable for decades, is now being rehabilitated through his direct financial intervention.

“At a time when many political leaders are criticized for being disconnected from their constituents, Senator Kalu stands out as a beacon of hope and integrity,” the statement read. “His willingness to use his own resources for the good of the people proves that public service is not just about policies and legislation but about making real, tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.”

COSEYL emphasized that the senator’s actions have not gone unnoticed and have set a new standard for selfless leadership in the region. The youth group expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Abia North and pledged to support initiatives that bring meaningful development to the South East.

“We sincerely appreciate Senator Kalu for his continued service and generosity. His selflessness has made a positive difference in the lives of his people, and we are proud to have him as their senator,” COSEYL stated.

The group looks forward to more positive changes under Senator Kalu’s leadership and urged other public officeholders to emulate his example in prioritizing the welfare of their constituents.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/group-commends-orji-kalu-for-selfless-service-to-abia-north

Group commends Orji Kalu for selfless service to Abia North Read More »

Kalu retains Senate’s award as Best Constituency Development Lawmaker

All other things equal, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu APC, Abia North, will be bestowed with the Senate Award as Best Senator in “Constituency Projects Execution” on Monday 16 December 2024.

The Award ceremony, organised by the Senate Press Corps, the Apex Media Body of the National Assembly, recognized Kalu’s Constituency for executing critical infrastructure projects across Abia-North Senatorial District and for human empowerment.

Scheduled to hold at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall of the Abuja Nicon Luxury Hotel, the event is expected to have the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Chief Host as well as other Senators of the 10th Assembly.

This will be the Third time the former Abia Governor will be carting home the Award category having won the 2021 and 2022 editions.

Giving the reason for the award, Chairman of the Senate Press Corps Mr. James Itodo emphasised that the Lawmaker won the Award again due to his sustenance in executing numerous development projects and empowerment programmes for his constituents.

Itodo added that Kalu’s effective and result-oriented representation, particularly at the Federal level, is the template of responsive and responsible representation since the introduction of the idea during the 4th Assembly.

Owing to his infrastructural and human empowerment drive in his Constituency, Kalu who chairs the Senate Committee on Privatisation has continued to rake in awards from reputable organisations.

Others included “Honorary Fellowship Award” by the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN); “Progressive Leadership Award by Pro-democracy group, Progressive Movement for Better Nigeria among others.

In 2022 Kalu emerged Best Senator of the Year in Constituency Projects Award by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Abuja Chapters.

In Legislative actions according to OrderPaper.ng Nigeria’s parliamentary multimedia platform, the 62-year-old Senator is rated highest amongst Senators from Abia State with 25 bills standing in his name and rated second amongst his former governor colleagues at the Senate using the 2019-2022 cumulative legislative year.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2024/12/17/kalu-retains-senates-award-as-best-constituency-development-lawmaker

Kalu retains Senate’s award as Best Constituency Development Lawmaker Read More »

Sen Kalu releases full report on constituency projects September

Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has thanked the leaders, stakeholders and traditional institutions of Ohafia Local Government Area for the support and encouragement extended to him as their representative.

In a statement released by Kalu’s Media Office and signed by George Maduka, Senator Kalu acknowledged the strong bond he shares with the people of Ohafia and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace, equitable development, and progress across all communities in the area.

Reacting to a recent publication that listed some projects in Ohafia LGA said to have been attracted by Senator Kalu, the statement clarified that many other zonal intervention projects facilitated by the senator were not included in the report.

To address the omissions, Kalu’s media office announced that it is compiling a comprehensive, independently verified account of all projects executed in Ohafia. The full report will be published upon the resumption of the National Assembly in September.

The senator’s office urged constituents to remain patient and assured them of continued dedication to quality representation and sustainable development in Abia North.

Senator Kalu reiterated his commitment to the wellbeing and progress of every community within the senatorial district.

https://thesun.ng/sen-kalu-releases-full-report-on-constituency-projects-september

Sen Kalu releases full report on constituency projects September Read More »

Ongoing road projects will spur commerce, agriculture in Abia – Kalu

The Senator representing Abia North, Orji Kalu, has intensified road projects in the district with the ongoing reconstruction of the Akoli Imenyi Road in Bende Local Government Area, describing the project as a vital boost to the economic and social life of communities in Abia North.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, Kalu, who is the current Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, expressed his delight at the progress of the road project, noting that the road would enhance commerce, agriculture, and social interactions across rural communities in the area.

“I am pleased to update you on the reconstruction of Akoli Imenyi Road in Bende LGA, a vital route that serves our communities and boosts local economic activities.

“This project is part of our commitment to improving rural infrastructure, easing transportation, and opening up more opportunities for trade, agriculture, and social development in Abia North,” the former Abia State governor stated.

The former Chief Whip of the Senate further assured constituents that he would continue working with relevant agencies to ensure the road is completed on schedule for the benefit of the people.

Since being elected to the Senate in 2019 as the representative of Abia North, Kalu has spearheaded numerous infrastructural interventions across his constituency, which include road rehabilitation projects, classroom renovations, health centre upgrades, and the facilitation of water supply schemes to underserved rural communities in Abia North.

As SEDC Committee chairman, Kalu has consistently advocated for equitable development in the South-East, emphasising that rural infrastructure remains a crucial driver of sustainable growth and improved living standards.

His renewed focus on Akoli Imenyi Road underscores his broader vision of linking communities in the area, boosting local trade, and positioning Abia North as a hub of agro-economic activities in the region.

Recent key projects facilitated by the lawmaker include road Infrastructure like the rehabilitation of Lokpaukwu–Lokpanta Road, Umunneochi; Reconstruction of Ebem Ohafia township roads, ongoing reconstruction of Akoli Imenyi Road, Bende LGA; Intervention on Ndi Okorie–Item–Amankalu road and road projects in Isuikwuato linking farming communities to major markets in the area.

In education area, it includes renovation and equipping of classrooms across the five LGAs of Abia North, distribution of learning materials and furniture to public schools, as well as construction of model classroom blocks in rural communities, while in the area of healthcare, his projects include upgrade of selected primary health centres with solar power installations, supply of medical equipment and drugs to rural clinics and facilitation of medical outreach programmes for indigent residents.

To enhance hygiene and economic activities Kalu embarked on Water & Power projects with the provision of boreholes in Arochukwu, Bende, and Ohafia communities and Rural electrification projects through solar-powered street lights, and in the area of youth and community empowerment, he embarked on the distribution of agricultural inputs and machinery to farmers, skill acquisition programmes and small business support grants and also annual scholarships for indigent students in both local and foreign tertiary institutions.

https://punchng.com/ongoing-road-projects-will-spur-commerce-agriculture-in-abia-kalu

Ongoing road projects will spur commerce, agriculture in Abia – Kalu Read More »

2027: I’ll work for Tinubu’s second term, deliver Abia for APC — Orji Kalu

The Senator Representing Abia North senatorial district, and former governor of Abia state Chief Orji Uzor Kalu has vowed to deliver Abia State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 governorship election.

Kalu stated this at Ekoli, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, during his annual New Year visit to the Chairman of the APC in Ebonyi, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha.

He said that despite the fact that the governor of Abia state a Labour Party governor is his personal friend, he will vote for his party APC in next year’s governorship election in the state.

“I was expecting that in 2027, that Abia will be captured by APC. Abia will be APC. I will work for President Tinubu to win in Abia State. And I will work for any governor in APC to win in Abia. Abia will be APC with me. I have brought my heart.I will lay my heart on the field. And I will work for the APC”, he said. He urged state governors to secure their respective states and not leave such responsibility solely to President Tinubu.

“When I was Abia governor, I ensured total security of lives and property. There were no cases of kidnapping, among other crimes in Abia, and this was at a period when other states were grappling with heightened insecurity. The governors should emulate Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, who has ensured adequate peace and security in the state,” he said.

Kalu noted that he conceived his annual New Year visit to the Ebonyi APC chairman due to what he described as Okoro-Emegha’s long-standing loyalty to him. “He is an embodiment of loyalty and is someone you can trust with your life. I raised him as a child, even when his father was alive, and he was part of the success stories I recorded as a governor.”

“When I handed him over to former Ebonyi governor, Sen. David Umahi, I urged him to give his principal 100 per cent loyalty, and he has transferred such virtue to the incumbent governor, Nwifuru.

“So, I’m very pleased with him. He understands what loyalty is. I gave him to David Umahi. He gave David Umahi loyalty. And David Umahi handed him to present governor Nwifuru. This man is an embodiment of loyalty. He can never disappoint anybody that trusts him.

“And he knows this. He made him Special Adviser SA Internal Security and later he made him commissioner for Internal Security. And because of his trust and hard work, Stanley was made APC state chairman. Abia was the most secured area when I was governor of Abia state.

“It was the most secured state in Nigeria. I worked with him as SA on security. He knew what we did to secure Abia and that’s why I brought him to do the magic here which he did as SA and Commissioner for Internal Security and Ebonyi is secured now due to his work” Kalu stated.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/2027-ill-work-for-tinubus-second-term-deliver-abia-for-apc-orji-kalu

2027: I’ll work for Tinubu’s second term, deliver Abia for APC — Orji Kalu Read More »