The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, today, received the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Times Heroes Lawmaker of the Year Award (House of Representatives category).
The Bende Abia state born lawmaker, who received the award on Thursday at the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Centenary Celebration and Times Heroes Awards held at the THISDAY Dome, Abuja, alongside prominent Nigerians and institutions recognised for their contributions to national development,
described the recognition as both an honour and a renewed call to public service.
Those that were equally honoured were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, former African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, business magnate Aliko Dangote, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Zenith Bank Group Managing Director Adaora Umeoji and MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola, among others.
DrumAfricanews reports that the award came after extensive nomination and public voting process in which Kalu emerged with the highest number of votes in the House of Representatives category.
After the rigorous processes involved, the Times Heroes Award Council subsequently confirmed his selection, citing his leadership, public service and contributions to national development.
Kalu appreciated the management and staff of Daily Times, saying the award would inspire him to intensify his efforts for the people of Bende Federal Constituency, whom he represents, and Nigerians at large.
The Deputy Speaker said the recognition was not an endpoint, but an encouragement to continue advancing legislation capable of producing tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
Kalu’s emergence was never an accidental one as it comes after an extremely active legislative record in the 10th House, with reports proving that he had sponsored 134 bills, with five already enacted as Acts of the National Assembly.
DrumAfricanews reports that his legislative interventions span constitutional reform, justice-sector reform, security, education, economic management, business-environment reform, science and technology, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and regional development.
Kalu, as Deputy Speaker, has also occupied a strategic position in shaping the legislative direction of the House, with his approach increasingly associated with legislative productivity, institutional reform and the use of parliamentary action to address national challenges.
“Some moments mark achievement; others remind us that the work of service is yet unfinished,” he said in reflecting on the award.
He also commended Daily Times for reaching its historic 100th anniversary, describing the newspaper as a witness, chronicler and participant in Nigeria’s journey since 1926.
Kalu stressed the importance of the media to democratic governance, noting that the legislature would continue to support measures that strengthen press freedom and address laws and practices capable of constraining effective journalism.
DrumAfricanews reports that the Daily Times Centenary celebration brought together an array of Nigeria’s political, business, traditional, professional and public-service elite.
The breadth of the honours reflected Daily Times’ stated objective of celebrating individuals and institutions whose leadership, innovation, courage, enterprise and public service have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development.
For Kalu, the award therefore represents more than a ceremonial distinction. It places renewed attention on a legislative career that has increasingly sought to connect parliamentary responsibility with measurable outcomes.
