Born on April 21, 1960, in Igbere, Abia State, young Orji began his remarkable journey with humble beginnings. With just $35 borrowed from his mother, he ventured into trading palm oil as a university student, buying from the east and selling in the north. That entrepreneurial spark soon ignited a business empire:
SLOK Holding, a conglomerate spanning media (including The Sun and New Telegraph newspapers), banking, real estate, aviation, oil trading, manufacturing, and more. By the time he entered politics, he had already built a fortune that many could only dream of.
Yet, it was never just about accumulation. Orji Uzor Kalu—affectionately known as OUK—turned his success into a platform for service. He served two transformative terms as Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, earning the nickname “The Action Governor” from no less than President Olusegun Obasanjo himself within months of taking office. His administration focused on infrastructure, education, and economic growth in a resource-rich but challenged state. Later, he became a senator representing Abia North, rising to roles like Chief Whip in previous assemblies and now contributing actively in the Senate Committee on Privatisation.
What truly captivates me about this man, however, goes beyond his political titles or business acumen. It is the genuine warmth and inclusivity with which he relates to people—regardless of status, tribe, faith, or background. Whether you are a struggling trader in Aba, a young graduate in Lagos, an elderly farmer in the north, a Muslim cleric in Kano, a Christian pastor in the south, or a traditional ruler anywhere in between, OUK sees you first as a fellow human being. He doesn’t look down on anyone; instead, he lifts them up.
This rare quality explains why he has been conferred with hundreds of traditional chieftaincy titles across Nigeria—from Aha Eji Agamba of Igbere (his homeland) to Aro of Ogbomosoland in the southwest, Dan Baiwan Hausa of Daura, Kibiyan Kabi of Argungu, and many more. These honors are not mere formalities; they are testaments to a man who has built bridges where others see divides. In a nation often fractured by ethnicity and religion, OUK embodies the true spirit of Nigerian unity.
His large heart shines brightest in moments of human need. Senator Kalu cannot bear to see people in pain. Through the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation and his personal interventions, he has touched countless lives: paying school fees for indigent students, empowering youths and women with skills training and startup capital, rehabilitating rural roads and water schemes, providing healthcare support, and distributing relief to thousands during tough times—like supporting over 9,500 Abia families with Christmas aid in recent years, even using his own resources when necessary. Stories abound of how he steps in quietly to settle medical bills, fund community projects, or offer a helping hand without seeking fanfare.
He sacrifices comfort to bring joy to those around him, proving that true leadership is measured not by what one accumulates, but by what one shares. In an era where cynicism about politicians runs deep, OUK reminds us that kindness remains one of the greatest gifts from God.
Today, I celebrate you, Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, for this divine endowment of compassion. I celebrate your unwavering love for humanity, your tireless pursuit of a better Nigeria, and your role as a unifying force in our diverse country. You stand for progress—not just for Abia North or Abia State, but for every corner of this great nation.
OUK of Africa, ride on. The Lord is indeed on your side, and so are the millions whose lives you have brightened.
Keep shining. Nigeria needs more hearts like yours.
Tunji Ajibade is a broadcast journalist based in Ibadan
