The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has taken his advocacy for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms to a prestigious international audience, calling for full support from both Nigerians at home and abroad.
During a meeting with the 2025/2026 cohort of Nigerian students at the Harvard Kennedy School in the United States over the weekend, Kalu emphasised the importance of backing the government’s current policies.
Kalu, who was accompanied by his team, stated that the reforms are strategically aimed at driving economic growth, stability, and long-term development in Nigeria. He described President Tinubu as a focused and intentional leader with a clear vision for the country’s future.
In his address, Kalu urged the audience to examine the administration’s efforts without political bias, emphasising that the reforms were designed to bring about tangible progress. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is an intentional, deliberate leader that knows the direction he is headed and he is taking steps to take the country to that direction. That’s the truth,” Kalu stated. “I say this without sounding political and I will still say what I am saying even if I was not a member of the ruling party or in politics.”
He further noted that reformers often face criticism but require public understanding and support to achieve lasting change. “You need to wear your unbiased lens to do your comparative analysis between now and before without sentiments, without trying to sound politically correct. Just view it, you will see. Reformers seek learning and knowledge. I know that once you are a leader, people will try to paint you with different brushes,” he added.
Apart from discussing the economic reforms, Kalu also spoke about the Reserved Seats Bill, which he personally introduced in the National Assembly. The proposed legislation seeks to improve inclusivity and representation, particularly for women, in governance and national development. He highlighted that the bill is part of a broader effort to ensure all segments of society contribute to and benefit from Nigeria’s progress.
Kalu praised the Nigerian diaspora for maintaining strong connections with their homeland and actively seeking ways to contribute to its development. “What this bill seeks to do is to create a space for women. You are thinking home and it’s an advantage for Nigeria that those outside the shores of Nigeria have not forgotten Nigeria,” he remarked.
The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue between the deputy speaker and the Harvard cohort, with discussions covering governance, policy implementation, and the role of the diaspora in national development. Kalu’s engagement is seen as part of a wider effort by the Nigerian government to rally support for its key initiatives, both domestically and internationally.
As the government continues to implement these reforms, the role of educated and engaged citizens—whether at home or abroad—will be critical in shaping public opinion and ensuring the success of these policies.
The event concluded on a hopeful note, with attendees expressing optimism about the potential of the reforms and the importance of inclusive governance. Many agreed that with sustained effort and collective support, Nigeria could overcome its current challenges and achieve meaningful progress in the coming years.
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