Pictures have emerged from Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s constituency visit to Bende over the weekend coordinated by Hon. Emma Eke, the Director General of the Benjamin Kalu Foundation.
Drum Africa correspondents gathered that he attended the funeral of Late Prof. Ijiomah who was laid to rest on Saturday, October 2, 2020 at his hometown in Uzuakoli. In an emotional tribute to the former University of Calabar Professor of Logic and Philosophy, delivered just before he was lowered into the ground, Hon. Kalu recounted his time as a student under Prof. Ijiomah about 27 years ago. He acknowledged the professor as the man who shaped the critical thinking skills of himself and countless others; laying a solid foundation for his viewpoint on leadership. He also recollected how the professor, decades later, wholeheartedly supported his quest to represent the people of Bende in the House of Representatives, accompanying him on my campaigns, and rallying the support of the people of Uzuakoli. Hon. Kalu remembered with fondness how the late professor never missed a beat to express his confidence and pride in him as a fruit of his tutelage.
Hon. Kalu solemnly pledged to make the late professor proud by always living up to the standard of leadership for which the late professor had faith in him.
Hon. Kalu was thereafter hosted to lunch and drinks at the home of Chief Ikenna Ariwodo in Uzuakoli after which the representative conducted an inspection of his constituency office.
Following the funeral, Hon. Kalu accompanied by an entourage of leaders including Hon. Chijioke Chukwu (member representing Bende north in the Abia State Assembly), Chief Daniel Akwari, Chief Ikenna Ariwodo, Prof. Victor Ukaogo as well as Chief Arnold, visited Igbere, attending a meeting of the Reality Organization where he extolled the virtues of the founder, Mama Eunice Uzor Kalu, for being a reliable leader, an attribute which he acknowledged as the reason she was able to produce governors and other great leaders through her organization. He said some words of encouragement to the members of the organization and announced a handsome donation to the cause.
Hon. Kalu also made sure to stop at the palace of Eze Uwakwe the Chairman of Ndi Eze in Bende LGA. The traditional ruler received him with joy expressing his happiness with the performance of the representative so far, stating that Bende has never had a representation as good as it currently enjoys from Hon. Kalu. The traditional ruler prayed for the representative and assured him of his continuing support.
Hon. Kalu thereafter conducted an inspection of the ongoing renovation and reconstruction of the Igbere hall currently sponsored by him. He appeared impressed with the work so far done and encouraged the construction workers to deliver the best service.
Following this, Rep. Kalu made a final stop at the palace of HRM Eze (Dr) E. U Onwuegbulam (Agho III of Ancient Agho Kingdom) in Ozuitem, who equally celebrated him for his stellar performance as a representative.
The team later retired to the country home of Hon. Benjamin Kalu in Bende for a visit review session and refreshment.
Below are some pictures from the constituency visit.
