In what many are calling a quiet revolution in leadership development, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Barr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is increasingly being recognized for his strategic empowerment of emerging Igbo leaders across the South East and beyond.

Kalu, representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, has steadily built a reputation not only as a vocal legislator and unifier but also as a political bridge-builder who is deliberately nurturing a new generation of Igbo technocrats, politicians, and administrators. His approach, observers say, mirrors the early leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose political legacy is marked by an expansive network of protégés now holding key positions nationwide.

“He will soon be compared with Asiwaju of the old,” a political analyst in the South East noted. “No other Igbo politician comes close to Kalu in the area of deliberate human capital development.”

Under Kalu’s watch, a growing number of young professionals and grassroots politicians from the South East have been appointed or recommended for strategic positions in both federal and state institutions. From board appointments to advisory roles, and even key roles in public-private partnerships, the Deputy Speaker’s imprint is becoming increasingly visible.

Kalu, a lawyer and seasoned lawmaker, has consistently advocated for increased inclusion of the South East in national development conversations, often stressing the need for capacity-building, unity, and bridge-building between the region and the rest of the country. His peace-building efforts, notably through the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), have earned him wide acclaim across political divides.

Many believe that Kalu’s long-term vision goes beyond short-term political gains. He is methodically laying the foundation for a new Igbo political architecture — one that is both nationally integrated and regionally responsive.

“He is doing a lot for his men,” said a supporter. “Please take your flowers, nwanne ukwu.”

With the 2027 political landscape gradually taking shape, Rt. Hon. Kalu’s rising influence may become a defining factor in Igbo political resurgence. Whether he’s remembered as a legislative icon or a political kingmaker, one thing is clear: Benjamin Kalu is shaping the future of Igbo leadership — and doing it with strategy, humility, and impact.

-Odimegwu Onwumere