By Kenneth Udeh from Abuja
For demonstrating consistency in erecting infrastructure projects within his Senatorial District, Abia-North Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC) has won the Senate Press Corps Award on Constituency Development for the third time.
Kalu emerged overall best among 108 of his colleagues to clinch the coveted prize at this year’s edition of the Senate Press Corps Award ceremony held on Monday at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
According to the apex media body of the National Assembly, Kalu retained the award following his unrelenting record of executing critical infrastructure projects across Abia-North Senatorial District in addition to human empowerment initiatives.
The event had in attendance the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as the Chief Host, who was represented by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, alongside other distinguished Senators.
This marks the third time the former Abia Governor will be carting home the award, having won the 2021 and 2022 editions.
Giving the reason for the award, Chairman of the Senate Press Corps, Mr. James Itodo, emphasized that the lawmaker won the award again due to his consistency in executing numerous development projects and empowerment programmes for his constituents.
Itodo added that the organisation took cognisance of Kalu’s representation, describing it as effective and result-oriented, particularly at the Federal level, serving as a template for responsive and responsible representation since the introduction of the award during the 4th Assembly.
Owing to his infrastructural and human empowerment drive in his constituency, Kalu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Privatisation, has continued to rake in awards from reputable organisations.
Others include the “Honorary Fellowship Award” by the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) and the “Progressive Leadership Award” by the pro-democracy group, Progressive Movement for Better Nigeria, among others.
In 2022, Kalu emerged Best Senator of the Year in Constituency Projects Award by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Abuja Chapters.
In legislative actions, according to OrderPaper.ng, Nigeria’s parliamentary multimedia platform, the 64-year-old lawmaker is rated highest among Senators from Abia State with 25 bills standing in his name. He is also rated second among his former Governor colleagues at the Senate, based on the cumulative legislative records from 2019-2022.
