Babalola Wins HallowMace 2026 Outstanding Parliamentary Reporter (New Media)
Oru Leonard
Comrade Babalola Lukman Babalola of Emporium Reporters Online has emerged winner of the Most Outstanding Parliamentary Reporter (New Media) category at the HallowMace National Legislative Awards 2026.
Babalola, a member of the National Assembly New Media Forum, Association of Corporate Online Editors ACOE member, and Publisher of Emporium Reporters Online, Emporium Magazine, and Emporium Online TV, was recognised for sustained excellence in parliamentary reporting and consistent coverage of Nigeria’s National Assembly.
The HallowMace National Legislative Awards, organised by HallowMace Africa, recognise individuals and institutions demonstrating outstanding performance in legislative reporting, governance, and public accountability.
The 2026 edition of the awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, July 9, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Jahi District, Abuja.
Former President of the Senate (Third Republic), Ameh Ebute, is expected to chair the ceremony.
Other award categories include recognition of lawmakers across the Senate and House of Representatives, Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, parliamentary staff, and legislative aides, selected through public voting and consultations with the National Assembly Press Corps.
In the parliamentary reporting category, Oyediya Agwu Nancy Urum of AIT and Joke Adisa of TVC were also recognised for Senate and House coverage respectively, alongside Babalola in the New Media category.
Recognised lawmakers include Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Adams Oshiomhole, and Opeyemi Bamidele, among others; as well as members of the House of Representatives including Chike Okafor and Bamidele Salam.
Speakers of State Houses of Assembly recognised include those from Anambra, Delta, Oyo, Niger, Bauchi, and Jigawa States.
Other categories include parliamentary staff and legislative aides, who were also honoured for contributions to legislative administration and support services.
The awards are organised in collaboration with the International Goodwill Ambassador Club, ERGAF Africa, and the Isabella Ayuk Foundation, and are aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and performance-driven recognition in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The organisers described the initiative as a “national audit of performance” designed to encourage excellence in governance and legislative engagement.
Newton Ikhabomen Ibrahim
General Editor, Emporium Reporters
May 15, 2026
