HallowMace Africa has marked a decade of sustained advocacy for democratic accountability with the maiden edition of the National Legislative Awards 2026, an event designed to honour excellence within Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
The awards ceremony was held on July 9, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, and convened lawmakers, policy stakeholders, development partners, civil society actors and members of the diplomatic community.
Organisers said the 2026 edition represents more than an anniversary celebration. “It is a strategic reaffirmation of HallowMace Africa’s 10-year commitment to strengthening democratic governance, promoting legislative productivity and recognising measurable impact in public service,” the statement said.
Amb. Anderson Osiebe, Executive Director of HallowMace Foundation Africa, described the awards as a natural evolution of the organisation’s mission. “After ten years of diligent work in parliamentary advocacy, these awards represent a natural evolution of our mission. They are not merely a celebration, but a strategic tool to incentivize excellence, foster healthy competition, and rebuild public trust in the critical institution of the legislature,” he said.
The awards were merit-driven and regionally balanced. Only three lawmakers from each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones were honoured. “This is not about party lines; it is about performance,” the organisers emphasised. The selection framework prioritised merit, transparency and performance over political affiliation.
The awards featured both voting and expert-based categories. Voting categories included Most Outstanding Senator of the Year per zone, Most Outstanding Member of the House of Representatives per zone, Most Outstanding Speaker of the Year per zone, Most Outstanding Parliamentary Staff of the Year, Most Outstanding Legislative Aide of the Year, and Most Outstanding Parliamentary News Reporter of the Year for both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Recognised senators included Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, South East, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, South South, Senator Solomon Olamilekan and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, South West, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, North Central, Senator Muhammed Monguno, North East, and Senator Sunday Katung, North West.
In the House of Representatives, Hon. Chike Okafor, South East, Hon. Inombek Awaji-Abiante, South, Hon. Bamidele Salam, South West, Hon. Jonathan G. Gaza, North Central, Hon. Ahmadu Usman Jaha, North East, and Hon. Sada Soli, North West, were honoured.
For State Houses of Assembly, Speakers recognised included Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Anambra, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Delta, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Oyo, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, Niger, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, Bauchi, and Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu, Jigawa.
Special recognitions were also given to Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan of Borno State for long service, Dr. Cornelius Ikalumhe for Senate parliamentary staff, and Mr. Paul Adara Adiwu for House of Representatives parliamentary staff. Legislative aides Hajia Hauwa M. Lamin and Mr. Agwunobi Peter Anochie were also honoured.
The awards were powered by HallowMace Africa in collaboration with the International Goodwill Ambassador Club, ERGAF Africa, and the Isabella Ayuk Foundation. Dr. Chris Odey of the International Goodwill Ambassador Club said the award’s goal of recognising distinguished parliamentarians aligns with the objective of promoting accountability and excellence within the legislative framework.
Organisers described the initiative as “a national audit of performance,” aimed at honouring excellence and inspiring greater service in legislative governance and journalism. “The massive participation we witnessed in the first stage is a testament to the growing interest of Nigerians in legislative accountability,” Osiebe said.
