.......as Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu brainstorms with Uzbekistan's minister of  mining and geology In the ever-evolving landscape of global minerals and resources, the significance of local value addition, as opposed to mere raw material exportation, has become increasingly pronounced.  As countries worldwide strive for economic diversification and sustainable development, the integration of knowledge-sharing initiatives becomes paramount.  A notable recent occurrence in this regard was the productive meeting between Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Mining and Geology, Yusupov Ural Sadullayevich, during the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.  Their discussions centered on collaborative opportunities to enhance Nigeria’s solid minerals and mining industry, with a particular focus on local value addition and job creation.  Nigeria is e...

The bustling city of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, now plays host to a significant gathering of global leaders, diplomats, and legislators as it welcomes the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly.  Among the distinguished guests is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who has arrived with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to fostering international cooperation. As Kalu steps onto the Uzbek soil, he embodies the spirit of collaboration that the IPU assembly represents.  Leading a delegation comprising Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, he carries with him not only the voice of Nigeria but also the aspirations of its citizens.  The assembly serves as a crucial platform where parliamentary representatives from around the world convene to discuss pressing global issues, exchange ideas, and strengthen inter-parliamentary relations. With the backdrop of Tashkent's vibrant history and cult...

The bill to transform the National Institute of Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) located in Aba, Abia State, into the University of Nigerian Languages—sponsored by Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu—marks an important milestone in the enhancement of higher education in Nigeria.  Its recent passage during the second reading in the House of Representatives reflects the government's dedication to elevating the educational standards across the country.This proposed transition will significantly benefit both the institution and the nation as a whole.  By granting NINLAN the authority to confer degrees in various fields—including Early Childhood Education, Business Education, Library and Information Science, Igbo and Communication Studies, as well as Linguistics and Mass Communication—the bill aims to broaden the academic curriculum.  This, in turn, would provide students with a more extensive array of educational choices. In addition, the legislation will empower NINLAN to autonomous...