By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Comrade Babalola Lukman Babalola, Publisher of Emporium Reporters Online and a member of the National Assembly New Media Forum, has emerged winner of the Most Outstanding Parliamentary Reporter (New Media) category at the HallowMace National Legislative Awards 2026, further strengthening his profile in Nigeria’s parliamentary media space.
The recognition, announced ahead of the award ceremony, places Babalola among journalists and public figures considered to have made significant contributions to legislative reporting and democratic accountability in the country.
According to organisers, the HallowMace National Legislative Awards, organised by HallowMace Africa, is designed to recognise individuals and institutions that have demonstrated excellence in legislative reporting, governance and public accountability.
The initiative also seeks to encourage performance-based assessment within Nigeria’s democratic system.
The General Editor of Emporium Reporters, Newton Ikhabomen Ibrahim, while reflecting on the essence of the awards, pointed to the broader objective of promoting accountability and strengthening institutional performance.
The organisers also described the initiative as a “national audit of performance” aimed at encouraging excellence in governance and legislative engagement.
Babalola’s recognition comes after years of sustained coverage of activities within Nigeria’s National Assembly through multiple media platforms including Emporium Reporters Online, Emporium Magazine and Emporium Online TV.
Observers say the award reflects the growing influence of digital and new media platforms in shaping parliamentary reporting and public discourse.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites in Jahi District, Abuja. Former President of the Senate during the Third Republic, Ameh Ebute, is expected to chair the event.
Beyond the media category, the awards also extend recognition to lawmakers, parliamentary staff and legislative aides. Several prominent legislators, including
Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Adams Oshiomhole and Opeyemi Bamidele, alongside members of the House of Representatives such as Chike Okafor and Bamidele Salam, are among those listed for honours.
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.
Speakers of State Houses of Assembly from states including Anambra, Delta, Oyo, Niger, Bauchi and Jigawa are equally expected to receive honours.
The organisers said selections involved public voting and consultations with the National Assembly Press Corps, a process aimed at broadening participation and credibility.
The development may further boost Babalola’s standing within parliamentary journalism circles while enhancing the visibility of digital media practitioners covering legislative affairs.
It also signals the increasing relevance of new media platforms in influencing governance conversations and documenting parliamentary activities in Nigeria.
