ECHOES OF LEGACY
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, recently paid a New Year solidarity visit to the Abia APC State Chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, at his country home in Nkpa.
As the Deputy Speaker was about to enter his vehicle after the visit, a smart officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Igwe Mary Chidinma, stepped forward and rendered a full parade salute. She then informed the Deputy Speaker that he was the one who had facilitated her employment into the NSCDC three years earlier—and that she had since grown steadily within the Corps.
It was their first time meeting.
The Deputy Speaker had no prior knowledge of her identity, yet he had opened a door that changed her life.
Today, she stands as proof of his legacy.
Thousands like Chidinma can be found across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government. They have formed an association known as BOKEM — Benjamin Okezie Kalu Employees. Others are spread across tertiary institutions at home and abroad under BOKAS — Benjamin Okezie Kalu Scholars — pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees through his facilitation.
The beneficiaries of the benevolence of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu are legion. They are many. And they will not be silent.
Long after his public life, for generations to come, they will continue to speak for him.
This is the essence of public service.
This is legacy.
