The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has bagged a selfless service to humanity award by the Council of Bishops in Nigeria.
The event which took place at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, also saw the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Cross River, Borno, Oyo and Ogun State counterparts, Bassey Otu, Babagana Zulum, Seyi Makinde and Dapo Abiodun respectively honoured for their services to humanity.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu, noted that the award ceremony took place on Friday, during the “National Solemn Assembly: A Day of Praise, Worship and Thanksgiving to God for Nigeria” which had the President of, the Charismatic Bishop Conference of Nigeria and Chairman of National Solemn Assembly, Archbishop Bature Cawas; the Vice-chairman, National Solemn Assembly/CAN Secretary Benue state, Bishop Chivir Chianson and the Secretary, National Solemm Assembly/ CAN Director, Legal & Public Affairs, Mrs Comfort Otera Chigbue as conveners.
Giving the award to Dr Jerry Nwohu, a security expert who represented Kalu at the event, the body of conveners said the honour was in recognition of the Deputy Speaker’s commitment to bettering the lives of Nigerians within and outside his immediate Constituency.
Nwohu, in a brief remark shortly after receiving the award on behalf of Kalu, noted that his emergence as a public servant, the Bende, Abia State State lawmaker has dedicated himself to dethroning integrity, selflessness and honour in his official and personal conduct.
“His unwavering commitment to the pursuit of public service has earned him yet another award, this instance originating from the revered Council of Bishops in Nigeria.
“The eminent persona of Benjamin Kalu, characterised by unwavering integrity and unwavering commitment, profoundly resonates with the principles cherished by the esteemed Council of Bishops. The recent acknowledgement of his societal contributions further contributes to the plethora of accolades that underscore his commendable stewardship and altruistic dedication to the well-being of fellow individuals.
“This esteemed recognition arrives at a momentous juncture as Deputy Speaker Kalu prepares for his highly anticipated homecoming on the 28th and 29th of December 2023. The forthcoming event is expected to witness the convergence of distinguished individuals in Nigeria, a gathering that is poised to commemorate and pay tribute to his remarkable contributions to the nation”, he said.
On his part, Rear Admiral Ilesanmi Alade (retd) lauded Kalu’s leadership virtues, describing him as a detribalized Nigerian who has embraced the whole country as his political constituency.
“The award given to Kalu by the National Solemn Assembly is a testament to his enviable political character and rising profile in nation-building. I was privileged to witness the encomium showered on the Number 6 citizen of Nigeria and my sincere feeling was that the Deputy Speaker is emerging as a figure for national unity. I am confident that this is the beginning of many more honours to come,” he said. (Punch)