Otti Celebrates Music Icon, Paulson Kalu at 80, Calls for Collective Effort in Building Abia

Governor Alex Otti has celebrated the 80th birthday of an Abia-born elder statesman and iconic music legend of Ohafia extraction, Dr. Sir Paulson Kalu.

Speaking during the birthday ceremony organised for him by the Abia state government at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Otti called for collective efforts in building a new Abia where hard work and dignity is valued

The Governor, represented by his wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti described the celebrant as a man of strong values.

He noted that the moment reminds all of the timeless truth of giving honour to whom it is due.

“Today, we have come to celebrate this special icon, to honour an extraordinary son of Abia state, Sir Paulson Kalu on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

“Sir Paulson Kalu is a man who embodies strong cultural and family values, a man whose life reflects discipline, resilience, and purpose.

“His contributions to Abia and to Nigeria are not only remarkable, they are worthy of admiration, and celebration”, Gov. Otti emphasised.

The Governor said that one of the hallmarks of his administration has been the deliberate recognition of distinguished Abians, whose lives have shaped “our collective story.”

He maintained that the celebration of individuals are done irrespective of one’s political or cultural linings.

According to the governor, Paulson Kalu is a shining example of what is possible when a person embraces this big vision.

“Let this celebration strengthen our collective resolve to continue building the new Abia, an Abia, where hard work is honoured, where dignity is protected, and where every generation is valued.

“As we celebrate him today, let his life continue to inspire us. Let it remind us that excellence is achievable, brilliance is attainable, and purpose is a lifelong journey.”

In their goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Mathew Ekwuruibe and his Tertiary Education counterpart, Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Kalu, eulogised the music maestro for his commitment and uniqueness in music performance as well as the philosophical approach he attaches to his music.

They appreciated the Governor for his policy of celebrating individuals while alive and congratulated the celebrant.

Also speaking, the President Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Abia chapter Chief Ejeh Williams and Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abia State, Comrade David Amalaha represented by Nath Nwoke among others, lauded the Governor for celebrating an iconic artiste like Paulson Kalu.

They said they would continue to follow his legacies and work in his path, describing him as an examplary leader in the music industry.

In a vote of thanks, the celebrant, Sir Paulson Kalu, who was full of excitement thanked Governor Alex Otti for celebrating him.

He said he was surprised when he received the information that the state Governor would be hosting his 80th birthday.

The event featured cutting of birthday cake, while Sir Paulson Kalu alongside his wife thrilled his audience with special performance.