From Trader to Billionaire Senator: The Rise of Orji Uzor Kalu

Born in Igbere, Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu rose from a modest background to become a two-term governor and now serves as the Senator representing Abia North under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman, currently serving as the Senator for Abia North Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is widely known for his extensive business empire and his previous tenure as Governor of Abia State.

Here is a quick overview of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu's profile.

Orji Uzor Kalu was born on April 21, 1960, in Abia State. He hails from the town of Igbere in the Bende Local Government Area. His family background is relatively modest; Kalu has recounted how, as a young man, he borrowed ₦35 from his mother to start trading businesses in palm oil and furniture. 

He attended Christ the King School, Aba, and Government College, Umuahia. He also attended Barewa College, Zaria, for part of his secondary education. Later, he matriculated at the University of Maiduguri, where he studied political science and was active in student politics, including participation in the “Ali Must Go” protests that led to his suspension from the university. 

To formalise his credentials, he later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Abia State University. He also holds a certificate in business administration from Harvard (executive program) and several honorary doctorate degrees. 

Kalu’s path into business started very early. After leaving school, he plunged into trade: buying palm oil in the east and transporting it to northern markets, then branching into furniture manufacturing and resale. 

He gradually expanded, establishing SLOK Holding, a multi-sector conglomerate operating in media, manufacturing, oil & gas, publishing, shipping, and banking. Under his business umbrella are ventures such as The Daily Sun, The New Telegraph, Slok Airlines, Supreme Oil, and others across Nigeria and parts of Africa. 

He also held roles prior to elected office: Chairman of Borno State Water Board and Chairman of Cooperative & Commerce Bank Limited. His reputation as a businessman provided him with both financial resources and extensive networks that facilitated his entry into politics.

Kalu first held elected office in 1992–1993, when he served in the House of Representatives. However, that period was short due to the political instability of the time. 

His formal rise came with the return to democracy in 1999, when he contested and won the governorship of Abia State.  His early political involvement, however, dates back to the Second Republic, where he supported the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). 

• Governor of Abia State (1999–2007): Kalu was elected the first civilian governor of Abia State in the Fourth Republic, taking office on 29 May 1999. He served two terms, until 29 May 2007. 
  

• Party Affiliations and Shifts: He began his political life aligned with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but later parted ways due to internal disagreements and founded the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). He even ran as the PPA presidential candidate in 2007. Eventually, he resigned his position in PPA and joined APC.
  

• Senator for Abia North: In the 2019 general elections, Kalu contested under the APC banner and defeated incumbent Mao Ohuabunwa to become Senator for Abia North. He assumed office on 11 June 2019.
  

• Senate Positions: In the 9th Senate, Kalu served as Senate Majority Whip from 2 July 2019 to 11 June 2023. In the 10th Senate, he was named Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation.

During and after his governorship, Kalu faced corruption allegations. In December 2019, a Federal High Court in Lagos convicted him and sentenced him to 12 years' imprisonment for fraud amounting to ₦7.65 billion.

However, in May 2020, the Supreme Court quashed the conviction, ruled the trial wrongful, and ordered a retrial. 

Despite the legal battles and controversies, Orji Uzor Kalu emerged as 2022's best Senator of the Year in Constituency Projects in a nationwide online poll, monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). 

Through his administrative and legislative roles, Kalu has been instrumental in initiating infrastructure projects in his senatorial district, attracting federal attention to his zone, and enhancing media penetration via his publications. 

His founding of the Njiko Igbo Movement is a political venture to push for an Igbo presidential slot. Over the years, he’s garnered numerous awards: Industrialist of the Year, humanitarian awards (UNN Humanitarian Club, World Bank Leon Sullivan Award), EU Special Awards, and traditional chieftaincy titles. 

As a legislator, he has sponsored or supported bills and engaged in committees, especially leveraging his business background in areas like privatisation and economic policy.

Kalu married Ifeoma Ada Menakaya in December 1989 in his hometown, Igbere. They have four children: Neya, Michael, Olivia, and Nicole Uzor Kalu.

He is a Christian. Outside politics and business, he is known to enjoy public engagements, reading, and maintaining an image of a polished, assertive public figure. 

Kalu is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s richest politicians. Public estimates place his net worth around $3.2 billion USD (or its local currency equivalent). He openly boasted of having financially aided political figures.  “I was the first to give the party N100m to register. I was also the first to give Obasanjo N100m to campaign during the 1999 election.”

His business interests include SLOK Holding (spanning media, manufacturing, oil & gas, publishing, and more), Daily Sun, New Telegraph, Slok Airlines, shipping, real estate, and various trade and industrial ventures.

As is common with such high-profile wealth, public controversies swirl around his assets. His 2019 conviction involved alleged misuse of state funds and fraud accusations, though the Supreme Court later annulled the conviction. There have been calls for transparency about his declared assets, but publicly verifiable data remain limited.

As of October 2025, Kalu remains an active and vocal figure in Nigerian politics. He recently made headlines by dismissing Peter Obi's political leadership in the South-East, declaring himself the "most important politician" from the zone.

In the same interview, he expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu, stating that none of the potential candidates can defeat President Tinubu in the 2027 election. He also engaged in a war of words with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of lying about the events surrounding his alleged third-term bid.

Orji Uzor Kalu has built a legacy as a formidable and contentious figure in equal measure. He is a self-made business magnate who transitioned into an influential political force. His career is a complex mix of significant business achievements, political triumphs, and serious legal challenges, making him one of Nigeria's most resilient and talked-about politicians.