Who Is Orji Uzor Kalu

Orji Uzor Kalu is a Nigerian businessman, politician and philanthropist. He was born on April 21, 1960, in Abia State, Nigeria. He is the founder of SLOK Holdings, a conglomerate with interests in shipping, banking, oil trading, manufacturing, and the media. Kalu is also a former governor of Abia State, having served from 1999 to 2007.

Kalu is considered by many to be one of the wealthiest people in Nigeria. His net worth has been estimated to be around $1.1 billion by Forbes, making him one of the richest men in Africa. He has also been involved in politics for many years, and is known for his contributions to the development of his state and the country as a whole.

Early Life and Education

Kalu was born and raised in Abia State, Nigeria. He attended Christ the King School, Aba, for his primary education, and Government College, Umuahia, for his secondary education. After completing his secondary education, Kalu went on to study at the University of Maiduguri, where he obtained a degree in Business Administration.

Business Career

After completing his education, Kalu went on to establish a number of successful businesses. In 1980, he founded SLOK Holdings, a conglomerate with interests in a wide range of industries. The company has grown to become one of the largest and most successful businesses in Nigeria, with interests in shipping, banking, oil trading, manufacturing, and the media.

Political Career

In addition to his business career, Kalu has also been involved in politics for many years. He was a member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the early 1980s, and later became a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Kalu was elected governor of Abia State in 1999, and served in that position until 2007. During his time as governor, he was known for his efforts to improve the infrastructure of the state, and for his contributions to the development of the state's economy. He was also involved in a number of high-profile initiatives, including the establishment of the Abia State Television (ABS) and the construction of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital.

Legal Issues

Kalu's political career was not without controversy. In 2007, he was accused of embezzling state funds while he was governor of Abia State. He was subsequently arrested and charged with fraud, but the case was dismissed in 2008.

In 2019, Kalu was again charged with fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was accused of using his company, SLOK Holdings, to defraud the government of Abia State of over N7.6 billion during his time as governor. In December 2019, he was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years in prison. However, he was released in June 2020 after the Supreme Court overturned his conviction.

Philanthropy

Kalu is also known for his philanthropic work. He has donated large sums of money to a number of causes, including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. He has also established a number of charitable foundations, including the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation and the SLOK Foundation.

Kalu's philanthropic work has been recognized by a number of organizations. In 2007, he was named as a Clinton Global Initiative member, and in 2014, he was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the Rotary Club of Nigeria.

Final Thoughts

Orji Uzor Kalu is an influential Nigerian businessman, politician, and philanthropist. He has made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria's economy, and has been involved in a number of high-profile initiatives over the years. Despite facing legal challenges, Kalu remains a respected figure in Nigerian society, and continues to be involved in a wide range of philanthropic activities. His life and career serve as an inspiration to many, and his legacy is sure to endure for many years to come.