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Benjamin Okezie Kalu: A Different Breed

Benjamin Okezie Kalu: A Different Breed

By Sam Hart

There is a man left scratching his head in quiet disbelief in Brussels, Belgium. For over several years, he has served as the official driver for the Nigerian Mission, assigned to visiting Nigerian dignitaries. Let’s call him John.

He has seen it all—or so he thought—until the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, arrived on a working visit to Brussels.

Kalu was in Brussels as head of a delegation from the Pan-African Parliament, where he chairs the Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs. The purpose: to participate in the European Union Visitor Program at the European Parliament.

Other Members of the delegation were Senator Tony Sibandze of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Lindiwe Khumalo, Clerk of the Pan African Parliament, Helen Sabwa, Clerk of the Monitary and Financial Affairs Committee and Mogomotsi Dingalo, Head of Finance at the Pan African Parliament.

Upon Kalu’s arrival on Sunday evening, John and other Nigerian consular staff received him and escorted him to his hotel. The plan was simple: John would chauffeur the Deputy Speaker to his engagements and remain at his service throughout the visit.

But by Monday morning, that script was tossed aside. Kalu emerged from his hotel, ready for the day—and opted to walk the two blocks to the European Parliament instead of being driven. He politely asked John to return to the Embassy and await further instructions.

The same thing happened on Tuesday. And Wednesday. And every day until Friday, when John was finally needed—to drive Kalu back to the airport.

No diversions. Just a mission, executed with precision and focus.

John is still baffled. “How?” he wonders. In his experience, most officials attend the opening ceremony of events, vanish, and reappear for the closing. But Kalu was different—disciplined, committed, and professional to the core.

John has a story to tell for a very long time to come. As we say in Nigerian pidgin, “This kind thing I never see am before!”

A Diplomatic Mission, Redefined

Kalu’s visit wasn’t just procedural—it was powerful. Representing Nigeria and Africa with poise and intellect, he delivered a clear message: It’s time to recalibrate the Africa-Europe relationship.

Throughout the week, Kalu led a series of high-level engagements with political and administrative leaders of the European Parliament and the EU Commission. The meetings had been scheduled in advance, yet as word of his impactful presence spread, demand to meet him skyrocketed.

Even his lunch breaks turned into working sessions. Members of the European Parliament were calling the Nigerian Mission, lobbying for slots on Kalu’s calendar.

His core message? Africa doesn’t need handouts. It needs partnership—one built on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and co-created solutions.

Key Themes from Kalu’s Visionary Message:

1. A New Africa-Europe Compact.

Kalu challenged outdated paradigms:

“We must move beyond the historical lens of donor-recipient. The future demands a partnership of equals—based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a collective vision for prosperity.”

2. Near-Shoring and Value Chain Localization.

“We have the raw materials; you have the technology. Let’s build processing plants where the resources are. Stop exporting jobs. Create industries in Africa and watch migration decline. The answer isn’t in fortifying borders—it’s in dignified employment at home.”

3. Security Cooperation: Empower, Don’t Intervene.

Kalu called for an African-led, EU-supported security architecture:

“Direct European military intervention has failed. Empower African nations. Equip them strategically. Sell, don’t donate. Build sustainable defense capability—don’t create dependency. We have the capacity. Over the years, the Nigerian Air Force has continued to provide airlift and humanitarian support for the United Nations, African Union and friendly African countries so that tells you we can do more with the right support.”

4. Migration: From Brain Drain to Brain Gain. From Fences to Factories

“Africa’s brightest leave not from desperation, but from the absence of opportunity. Let’s reverse the flow through industrialization. Migration policy must become industrial policy. That’s how we keep Africa’s talent in Africa.”

5. Co-Producing the African Narrative.

“The average citizen in Europe often only sees Africa through headlines of conflict and disease. That must change. Let’s co-produce the stories of Africa’s innovation, resilience, and progress.”

6. Rethinking Trade Protocols.

“Why should it take twenty conditions to export to Europe, but only four to Asia? Trade should be fair. Let’s simplify. Let’s co-create policy. You cannot shave a man’s head in his absence—Africa must be in the room when decisions about Africa are made.”

7. Economic Justice & Fair Trade

Kalu argued that as of April 2025, over twenty African countries were either in debt distress or at high risk of it. This stark reality calls for a reimagining of global trade dynamics—particularly the EU-Africa Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). These must be realigned to complement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), support African industrialisation, and eliminate non-tariff barriers that stifle trade.

8. Climate Change & the Environment

On climate justice, Kalu called for a shift from tokenism to genuine partnership. “Although Africa is the continent most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, it receives just 3% of global climate finance,” he noted. “From devastating floods and erosion in Nigeria to persistent droughts in the Sahel and rising sea levels threatening coastal regions like Cameroon, the continent is already enduring severe consequences.

Yet, despite possessing 60% of the world’s solar energy potential, Africa attracts less than 1% of global solar investment—a glaring mismatch between potential and commitment. Africa must no longer be treated as a passive recipient of climate solutions but recognised as a central player in the global green transition. Climate justice demands equitable financing, technology transfer, and genuine inclusion in shaping sustainable futures”.

Feedback That Speaks Volumes.

The response from European stakeholders was unanimous and enthusiastic:

Kaja Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission described Kalu as a distinguished leader and opinion-former.

For Sabine Verheyen, Vice President of the European Parliament, “These are the kind of conversations we should be having – the kind of partnerships we seek. I look forward to further interactions where we continue the conversation”

Robert Elsen, Program Director, EUVP: “Very impressive engagements. His passion is admirable. His participation sets the stage for expanding this program.”

Adriana Schunia, Director at DG External Policy: “This has exceeded expectations. We’ve gathered invaluable insights.”

Michael Gahler, veteran MEP: “Everything we discussed is invaluable. Thank you for this wealth of perspective.”

Fabio De Masi, MEP, Germany: “You’re very well positioned to drive this agenda. We’re on the same page.”

Marieke Ehlers, MEP: “This was refreshing. You articulated my own thoughts on EU-Africa relations better than I could.”

A Statesman for a New Era.

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu did not go to Brussels to tick boxes. He went to reset the tone. Through intellect, vision, and clear communication, he demonstrated a new standard for public service—one rooted in purpose, not perks.

Perhaps that’s what left John the driver so stunned. He didn’t just drive a VIP. He witnessed something rare: leadership with integrity, presence, and direction.

Benjamin Okezie Kalu is, indeed, a different breed.

*Sam Hart, a member of the National Institute, was with Kalu in Brussels.

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By Sam Hart There is a man left scratching his head in quiet disbelief in Brussels, Belgium. For over several years, he has served as the official driver for the

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Access ARM Pensions Advocates  Ways  to Boost Civil Servants’ Retirement

Access ARM Pensions Advocates  Ways  to Boost Civil Servants’ Retirement

Nume Ekeghe 

Access ARM Pensions has urged Nigerian civil servants to embrace small but consistent voluntary contributions to their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs), describing the habit as a simple and effective way to build long-term financial security.

The call was made by Executive Director, Technical, Access ARM Pensions, Mr. Afolabi Folayan, during his keynote address at the International Civil Service Conference in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “Building Financial Resilience for the Nigerian Civil Service of the Future,” Folayan emphasised the need to rethink retirement planning beyond statutory deductions.

He said: “We must turn concern into strategy. As leaders of the pension ecosystem, our job is to build a system that is not just safe, but smart. Not just secure, but inclusive. Not just mandatory, but meaningful. Civil servants should be able to top up their pensions anytime, even with just N1,000 from their phones. Over time, compound interest takes care of the rest.”

He highlighted several core challenges civil servants face when preparing for retirement, including inflation, currency depreciation, inadequate financial literacy, and rising post-retirement obligations. According to him, voluntary top-ups offer a simple yet effective strategy to cushion future economic shocks.

Folayan further acknowledged the achievements of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) which currently boasts over N23.3 trillion in assets, but noted that much of the investment remains concentrated in government securities, which may yield below inflation in the long run.

Recognising that retirement is no longer a passive stage of life, Folayan underscored the need for pension systems to evolve alongside the realities of Nigerian retirees.

He added: “Retirement today is not the quiet twilight it once was. It is dynamic. Retirees are caregivers, business mentors, community leaders etc. They face rising medical costs, ongoing family responsibilities, and often still want to contribute- in new ways. Our pension system must meet them where they are, not just where they were.”

Folayan also called for pension funds and employers to collaborate on more integrated retirement solutions. He proposed the creation of financial wellness hubs offering budgeting tools and retirement planning support; health partnerships that provide access to affordable medical care, including critical illness coverage; and accessible mortgage schemes designed specifically for civil servants’ income profiles.

He also urged that technology should be leveraged to empower contributors, suggesting mobile-friendly platforms that include pension growth simulators, life-stage guidance tools, biometric login for added security, and real-time transparency on balances, fees, and investment performance.

 “We stand at crossroads. We can continue with a system that delivers the minimum or we can build one that delivers the dignity every civil servant deserves. A system that rejuvenates trust in public service, innovates for financial inclusion, and accelerates us toward long-term economic resilience,” he stated.

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Nume Ekeghe  Access ARM Pensions has urged Nigerian civil servants to embrace small but consistent voluntary contributions to their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs), describing the habit as a simple and

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Akpabio: Akpoti-Uduaghan Arraigned, Release on Self Recognizance 

Akpabio: Akpoti-Uduaghan Arraigned, Release on Self Recognizance 

Alex Enumah in Abuja 

The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Monday arraigned before a Federal High Court, Abuja.

She was however, admitted to bail on self recognizance by Justice Mohammed Umar, who recognized her status as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and a lawyer.

Besides, the court also agreed with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Chief Roland Otaru, that the defendant was not a flight risk.

The Kogi senator had pleaded not guilty to all six-count charge bordering on making statements via broadcast that are allegedly capable of harming the person of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government, represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, had told the court that the prosecution was not opposed to the bail application and did not also file a counter affidavit.

He however urged the court to admit the defendant to bail in a term that would ensure that the defendant attend her trial.

Meanwhile, the court has fixed September 22, for trial.

Details later…

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Alex Enumah in Abuja  The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Monday arraigned before a Federal High Court, Abuja. She was however,