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Orji Uzor Kalu (born 21 April 1960) is a prominent Nigerian political and business figure. His exploits in both fields have earned him a place in the country’s political and economic history. As a Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, he is an influential voice in the Nigerian Senate and currently serves as the House of Representatives Party Chief.
Orji Uzor Kalu is also known for his business acumen, as evidenced by his chairmanship of SLOK Holding, a leading Nigerian conglomerate with interests in shipping, banking, trading, manufacturing and publishing. He holds controlling stakes in two of Nigeria’s most prominent newspapers, The Daily Sun and New Telegraph, which have helped shape the country’s media landscape.
Prior to his political career, Orji Uzor Kalu held various positions in the private sector, including Chairman of the Borno Water Board and the Cooperative and Commercial Bank Limited. He was also Governor of Abia State for two terms, from 1999 to 2007, during which time he introduced innovative policies that transformed the state’s economy.
Orji Uzor Kalu has had a remarkable political journey, starting as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before joining the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) where he contested as the party’s presidential candidate in the April 2007 general elections. He belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC), one of Nigeria’s major political parties. His political career has been marked by his passion for serving his people and his dedication to positively impacting the lives of Nigerians.
Member of the Nigerian Senate
Orji Uzor Kalu |
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 Orji Uzor Kalu: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| First and last name: | Orji Uzor Kalu |
| Stage Name: | Uzor Kalu |
| Born: | April 21, 1960 (age 64) |
| Place of birth: | Abia, Nigeria |
| State of origin: | Abia State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Height: | 1.65 meters |
| Parents: | Johnson Uzor Nesiegbe Kalu, Eunice Uzor Kalu |
| Siblings: | Mascot Uzor Kalu, Nnanna Uzor Kalu |
| Couple: | Ifeoma Orji Uzor Kalu (m. 1989) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| Children: | Neya Kalu, Michael Uzor Kalu, Olivia Kalu, Nicole Kalu |
| Job: | Politician • Businessman |
| Net asset value: | $330 million |
Early life and education
Orji Uzor Kalu, a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman, was born and raised in Abia State, Nigeria, on April 21, 1960. He was born into the family of a prominent Nigerian businessman, Johnson Uzor Nesiegbe Kalu and Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu. Along with his two younger brothers, Mascot Uzor Kalu and Nnanna Uzor Kalu, who are also making a career in business, he was raised in a family that valued education, hard work and entrepreneurship.
Orji Uzor Kalu’s educational journey was an interesting one, as he attended some of the most prestigious schools in Nigeria, including Christ the King’s School, Aba, Government College Umuahia and Barewa College, Zaria, before moving to the University of Maiduguri where he studied political science. During his studies, he became a student activist and was involved in the “Ali Must Go” riots against the education minister, which led to his suspension from university. However, he persevered, dropped out of school and founded a successful business.
In addition to his political career, Orji Uzor Kalu holds a degree from Abia State University, a Certificate in Business Administration from Harvard University and honorary doctorates from the University of Maiduguri and Abia State. He has established himself as a respected businessman, with a significant stake in SLOK Holding and major stakes in The Daily Sun and New Telegraph newspapers. Prior to his civil service career, he was chairman of the Borno Water Board and Cooperative and Commerce Bank Limited.
Orji Uzor Kalu, who was originally from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), contested as the presidential candidate of the People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) in the April 2007 general elections before becoming a member of the present-day All Progressives Congress (APC). He is a Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District and the Chief Whip of the Senate House of Representatives in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having served as Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007.
Personal life
In December, 1989 to be precise, prominent Nigerian politician and businessman Orji Uzor Kalu exchanged marital vows with his beloved wife, Ifeoma Orji Uzor Kalu, in a blissful ceremony in his hometown of Igbere, Abia State.
This loving union has been blessed with the joy of four lovely children who are the pride and joy of their parents. Their names are Neya Kalu, Michael Uzor Kalu, Olivia Kalu and Nicole Kalu.
It’s heartwarming to see a successful man sharing his life and love with a partner who is a pillar of strength, support, and their beautiful children.
Career
Orji Uzor Kalu’s rise from humble beginnings to a prominent businessman is a story of resilience and determination. With a meager $35 loan from his mother, he started a palm oil business and gradually expanded his business portfolio.
His business acumen led him to buy and sell furniture on a larger scale, and he soon established a thriving group of companies under the umbrella of SLOK Holding. These companies included Ojialex Furniture Company and Adamawa Publishers Limited, which contributed significantly to his wealth and success.
Orji Uzor Kalu’s business and philanthropic endeavors have earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious National Merit Award from President Ibrahim Babangida in recognition of his remarkable achievements in business and public service. However, his illustrious career was marred by controversy when he was arrested on corruption charges while serving as Governor of Abia State in 2007. He was later released on bail and accused the Olusegun Obasanjo regime of repression.
Despite the setbacks, Orji Uzor Kalu remained undaunted and continued to be a staunch supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari. His story demonstrates the power of hard work, resilience and the pursuit of dreams.
Net asset value
Orji Uzor Kalu’s net worth is estimated to be $330 million. He made his money as a politician and businessman.
Social Media
- Instagram Name: @Oukgram
- Twitter Username: @OUKtweets
