LEGISLATIVE STARS TO SHINE AS GODSWILL AKPABIO, ABBAS, ABARIBE, BARRY AVOTU JOHNSON & OTHERS WINS NATIONAL HONOURS

... National Legislative Awards 2026 Edition Holds Event's Biggest Stage In Abuja 

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Our Political Correspondent Ibrahim Dauda reporting from Abuja Nigeria 

Prominent federal and state lawmakers, parliamentary officials, legislative aides, journalists and democracy advocates will be honoured at the 2026 Legislative Excellence Awards scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

Dr Barry Avotu Johnson 1st 
Country Director 
VOTES MUST COUNT INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE 

The event, organised by HallowMace Africa in partnership with ERGAF Africa, the International Goodwill Ambassador Club and the Isabella Ayuk Foundation, is aimed at recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves in legislative leadership, democratic governance, parliamentary administration and media coverage of the National Assembly.

Among the top award recipients are the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, former Senate President Ameh Ebute, former Governor and Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, who will receive the Excellence in Legislative Leadership and Governance Award.

The organisers also announced that the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, will receive the prestigious Long Service Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding years of service and contributions to legislative development.

Senator Godswill Akpabio 
Senate President Nigeria 10th Senate 

Outstanding legislators selected across the six geopolitical zones include Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Opeyemi Bamidele, Sunday Katung, Muhammed Monguno, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Adams Oshiomhole, and Solomon Olamilekan, alongside outstanding members of the House of Representatives from the various geopolitical zones.

State House of Assembly Speakers recognised for outstanding leadership include Haruna Aliyu, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Adebo Ogundoyin, Somtochukwu Udeze, Abubakar Y. Suleiman, and Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji.

In the parliamentary service category, Dr. Cornelius Ikalumhe was named the Most Outstanding Parliamentary Staff (Senate), while Mr. Paul Adara Adiwu emerged as the Most Outstanding Parliamentary Staff (House of Representatives).

For legislative aides, Hajia Hauwa M. Lamin received the Most Outstanding Legislative Aide (Senate) award, while Mr. Agwunobi Peter Anochie was recognised as the Most Outstanding Legislative Aide (House of Representatives).

Hon Tajudeen Abass 
Speaker House of Reps

The media category honoured Oyediya Agwu Nancy Urum of AIT as the Most Outstanding Parliamentary Correspondent (Senate), Joke Adisa of TVC as the Most Outstanding Parliamentary Correspondent (House of Representatives), and Comrade Babalola Lukman Laleye of Emporium as the Most Outstanding Parliamentary Correspondent (New Media).

Media strategist and legislative analyst Barry Avotu Johnson will also be honoured with the Excellence in Legislative Commentary and Democratic Governance Award for his contributions to legislative reporting, democratic advocacy and public affairs analysis.

Other recipients include Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, Babajimi Benson, Otive Igbuzor, Ben Rollands Igbakpa, Satomi Ahmed, Dozie Nwankwo, High Chief Barrister Emeka Nwala, Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, Biodun Olujimi, Ireti Kingibe, Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Ibrahim Isiaka, Ossai Nicholas Ossai, and Hajia Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, among others, for their contributions to legislative development, democratic governance, institutional leadership and public service.

Senator Abaribe

The awards ceremony is scheduled to commence at 4:00 p.m. at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja. Former Senate President Ameh Ebute will chair the occasion, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki are expected as special guests of honour.

According to the organisers, the selection process was transparent and based on public nominations, parliamentary performance, democratic impact and professional excellence.

Senator Natasha Uduaghan 

"These finalists have demonstrated uncommon dedication to legislative due process, constituency representation, and the advancement of democratic values. 

We thank the Nigerian public and our media and parliamentary partners for ensuring a credible selection process. 

July 9, 2026, will be a night of pure legislative honour," the organisers stated.