From Israel to Abia: Leadership Lessons of Ben-Gurion and Ben Kalu
Jasper Uche draws parallels between David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives. Both trained as lawyers but made their mark through bold public service. Ben-Gurion led early Jewish settlements, headed the Zionist movement after 1948, and solved water shortages with a 250 km pipeline from the Sea of Galilee to the Negev Desert. His vision built Israel’s agricultural and security foundations. Benjamin Kalu entered the House in 2019 and rose quickly as spokesperson before becoming Deputy Speaker. He sponsored the South East Development Commission bill to heal war scars and uses inclusivity and soft power to advance his people’s interests. Both leaders share a talent for spotting and empowering others. Their fair-minded, front-line approach offers valuable lessons on vision, unity, and effective statesmanship.
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