Deputy speaker Ben Kalu to Nigeria’s IPU delegation: Make Nigeria proud

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has charged members of Nigeria’s delegation to the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly to represent the country with distinction and uphold its reputation on the international stage.

Kalu, who is leading the Nigerian delegation in Arusha, Tanzania, gave the charge on Wednesday night at a dinner he hosted for members of the delegation.

He urged the lawmakers and officials to take their responsibilities seriously by participating actively in committee meetings and other activities of the Assembly.

“Nigeria is an important country in the IPU, with 22 votes. Our Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, currently serves on the Executive Committee and has made invaluable contributions to the Union,” Kalu said.

The Deputy Speaker stressed that Nigeria’s influence within the international parliamentary community came with a responsibility to provide leadership and contribute meaningfully to global discussions.

“Nigeria has a strong voice in the international community. When we take a position, others often look to us for guidance and direction. We must uphold that reputation at all times,” he said.

Kalu expressed confidence that the delegation, comprising senators, members of the House of Representatives and National Assembly officials, would effectively represent the country at the Assembly.

Ngwu commends Kalu’s leadership

In his vote of thanks, Senator Osita Ngwu, former Senate Minority Whip and representative of Enugu West Senatorial District, commended Kalu for his leadership during international parliamentary engagements.

Ngwu said Kalu had consistently created opportunities for members of Nigerian delegations to interact, build team spirit and develop a shared understanding of their objectives during international engagements.

“Whenever we travel for international parliamentary engagements, you make an effort to bring us together. For some of us, this may be the only opportunity during the trip for the entire delegation to sit together. It helps us build team spirit and gives direction to our mission,” Ngwu said.

The dinner was also attended by the Speaker of the Australian Parliament, Milton Dick.

Nigeria’s IPU delegation

The Nigerian delegation to the 153rd IPU Assembly is led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with Kalu serving as Deputy Leader.

Other members include Senators Osita Ngwu, Ranti Adebule and Titus Zam.

Members of the House of Representatives on the delegation are Mark Esset, Uche Okonkwo, Bello Kaoje, Olamiju Alao-Akala, Zainab Gimba, Omosede Igbinedion and Billy Osawaru.

Also on the delegation are Nigeria’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Bolanle Mohammed; Permanent Secretary, IPU and Protocol, National Assembly, Fortune Ihua; Director, IPU, National Assembly, Udo Ogbu Umekwe; staff of the National Assembly’s Inter-Parliamentary Unit; representatives of the National Assembly Library; and officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Tanzania.