A respected university scholar, Dr. Eni Kalu, has extolled the enduring legacies of former Abia State Governor and current Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, describing him as the most impactful leader from Abia State since Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
In a lecture delivered during a recent academic symposium, Dr. Kalu declared that Orji Uzor Kalu remains the most dedicated and people-centered leader Abia has ever produced.
“I can’t find anyone who has done better than Orji Uzor Kalu for our people since 1960,” the academic said. “In all ramifications—health, education, infrastructure, human development, and even sports—his record remains unmatched.”
Dr. Kalu recounted how as Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu built 15 general hospitals and established the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, while also providing free maternal healthcare.
“His footprints in the agricultural sector, which included farm settlements and farm estates, are unmatched. His impact in sports is there for all to see, especially his exploits with Enyimba,” he added.
The don emphasized that Kalu’s accomplishments as a Senator have further cemented his legacy, describing his record as “unparalleled in the history of Abia.”
“His achievements as a Senator have dwarfed others in the history of Abia. Road construction, school rehabilitation, human development and others—he has redefined what legislative representation means,” Dr. Kalu said.
Reflecting on Kalu’s pre-political life, the scholar noted: “Let me remind the public that before Kalu’s sojourn in the murky waters of politics, he had built a robust and well-known business empire, which provided employment for thousands of people across the globe. His involvement in active politics was borne out of his passion and commitment to selfless service.”
Dr. Kalu highlighted Kalu’s philanthropic interventions long before holding public office.
“As far back as 1989, the Orji Uzor Kalu Education Scheme and Orji Uzor Kalu Loan Scheme were already providing succor for indigents in Abia State and beyond. Scholarships were awarded, and interest-free loans ranging from N5,000 to N20,000 were given to petty traders and artisans,” he said.
He described Kalu’s early days in government as proactive and visionary.
“In 1999, when Kalu took the mantle of leadership, the debt profile inherited from the military government was about N8 billion. Despite the financial challenge, Kalu deployed his business dexterity to manage the federal allocation and the state’s internally generated revenue. Infrastructure topped his priority list, and within 48 hours of coming into office, bulldozers and other equipment were deployed to commence work on Aba roads.”
The don added that in less than 100 days, roads such as Omuma, Umule, Ukwu Mango, Georges, Market, Azikiwe, Mosque, Ohanku and Osusu—all previously impassable for over two decades—were rehabilitated.
“During President Obasanjo’s visit to Abia, Kalu was christened ‘Action Governor’ for his giant strides in infrastructure,” Dr. Kalu recalled. “It is laughable for some people without any knowledge about Abia to start talking now without proper research.”
Education, the professor said, was another sector that benefitted greatly under Kalu.
“Kalu understood the imperative of an educated population. He declared free education from primary to secondary school and highly subsidized university education. He provided hostels, generators, and conducive lecture halls at Abia State University and ensured salaries of academic and non-academic staff were paid on time.”
In health, Kalu’s administration introduced a free mobile health scheme that served rural communities. Primary health centres were equipped with modern facilities and stocked with drugs, with pregnant women receiving doorstep care.
According to Dr. Kalu, when Kalu took office, Abia’s internally generated revenue stood at N6 million monthly. In just one year, this figure had grown to N30 million.
“Kalu blocked leakages and tackled corruption. His administration promoted efficiency in tax collection and accountability in governance,” he said.
He noted that Kalu invested in civil service reforms by training staff locally and internationally, regular payment of salaries, arrears, and pensions, and promoting civil servants promptly.
“It’s on record that salaries were paid on or before the 27th of every month. No arrears. No delays. No excuses,” the don stressed.
On sports development, he lauded Kalu’s support for Enyimba FC, which famously won the CAF Champions League in 2003 and 2004, and his promotion of grassroots sports across the state.
Dr. Kalu also detailed the anti-corruption and security reforms instituted by Kalu:
“Kalu eradicated inflated contracts and shady sales of government property. His procurement reforms saved the state millions—like in the case of the BCA contract that was originally awarded at N47 million but re-awarded transparently for N7 million,” he explained.
“Internal security was restored. Police officers were insured. Stakeholders were regularly engaged. Town hall meetings became a norm. The Governor’s security vote was prudently managed.”
Dr. Kalu concluded by pointing to Senator Kalu’s ongoing impact at the National Assembly.
“Today, as a Senator, he is building roads—roads that lawmakers never did before. He is constructing schools, distributing educational materials, and empowering youths and women. Orji Uzor Kalu is not just a politician. He is a legacy in motion.”
