The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, on Sunday, described the Michael Okpara Leadership Prize Award bestowed on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as well deserved.

Kalu was honoured with the award in recognition of his quality representation and leadership in the Nigerian parliament by the Michael Okpara Leadership Award (The 2024 Premier’s Prize) in Abuja.

The National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, in a statement, said that Kalu had demonstrated capacity in service through his quality representation and protection of the interests of the South-East.

Okwu said: “The award bestowed on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is well deserved and did not come to us as a surprise.

“This is considering the leadership acumen he has so far demonstrated in the parliament, where he stands out as the voice of the people of the South-East.

“The South-East Development Commission Bill, which he sponsored and has now become an Act by virtue of President Bola Tinubu’s assent, will remain an enduring legacy.

“We laud his role in giving the South-East a voice and quality representation. The array of honours and awards he has received is a true testament to the fact that Ndigbo has hope in him as a leader.

“This is what we foresaw when we gave all our support to him prior to his emergence as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Now he has justified the confidence reposed in him.”

The Ohanaeze youths re-echoed their calls on Ndigbo to continue giving their unflinching support to Kalu, stressing that “with him, we are sure of getting all we need from the current federal government.”

He added, “We have no doubt that the future is bright with someone like him in the corridors of power. We appeal to Ndigbo to rally around him.

“He has remained accountable to the people through his continuous media engagements, during which he feels the pulse of the people. This is the kind of leadership we expect from other leaders in the South-East.”