Orji Kalu Reaffirms Development Drive, Prioritises Youths and Women

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining quality representation and accelerating development across Abia North Senatorial District, saying that investing in youths and women remains one of the most effective ways to achieve national growth and sustainable development.

The former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North made the pledge while expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), party stakeholders, members of the OUK Movement and Reality Organisation, and the people of Arochukwu, Ohafia, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi for their continued support ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kalu said the confidence reposed in him by the party and the people would continue to inspire him to provide effective representation, champion people-oriented legislation, and attract impactful development projects to the senatorial district.
Reflecting on his years in the Senate, the lawmaker said his representation has focused on improving the lives of his constituents through strategic legislation, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and job creation. He disclosed that in less than six and a half years, he has sponsored more than 20 bills covering key national issues, including amendments to the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act, Armed Forces Act, Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act, Electoral Act, Administration of Criminal Justice Act, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Agency (NESREA) Act, as well as the National Food Bank Establishment Bill, Tax Crime Commission Bill, Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, and constitutional amendment bills aimed at expanding legislative powers on railways and electricity to drive economic growth, industrialisation, and infrastructure development.
Beyond legislative contributions, Kalu said his office has facilitated more than 70 road projects across the five local government areas of Abia North, improving connectivity and access. He added that education has remained a major priority, with the renovation and construction of over 100 schools, alongside the distribution of desks, instructional materials, free STEM textbooks, school uniforms, and sandals to pupils across the district.
The senator also said thousands of women, elderly citizens, and vulnerable residents have benefited from free healthcare services through the National Health Insurance Scheme, while many youths and women have received foreign scholarships and overseas training opportunities to enhance their skills and prepare them for global opportunities. He further highlighted investments attracted to the district, including the completed Cashew Processing Factory in Igbere, the ongoing Solar Panel Factory, and the Keke Manufacturing Plant, describing them as strategic projects aimed at promoting industrialisation, creating jobs, and strengthening the local economy.
Kalu noted that thousands of women and youths have also benefited from empowerment programmes through the distribution of business tools, equipment, and support materials, while intervention projects have been implemented in communities affected by erosion and flooding. According to him, these achievements demonstrate that purposeful leadership should be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of the people rather than empty promises.
Looking ahead, the senator pledged that if given another opportunity to serve, he would build on the progress already made by strengthening quality representation, attracting more development projects, expanding educational opportunities, improving healthcare delivery, creating more jobs, supporting agriculture, enhancing infrastructure, promoting security, empowering women and youths, and fostering stronger partnerships for sustainable development.
He stressed that no nation can attain meaningful progress without investing in its young people and women, describing them as the driving force behind economic growth, innovation, and national prosperity. Kalu thanked the people of Abia North for their continued confidence and assured them of even greater commitment to service, development, and inclusive growth in the years ahead.