Comrade Babalola Lukman Babalola has been named the Most Outstanding Parliamentary Reporter in the New Media category at the HallowMace National Legislative Awards 2026. The recognition puts a spotlight on his consistent coverage of Nigeria’s National Assembly through Emporium Reporters Online.
Babalola is both a member of the National Assembly New Media Forum and the publisher behind Emporium Reporters Online, Emporium Magazine, and Emporium Online TV. Judges cited his sustained excellence in parliamentary reporting and the depth of his day-to-day coverage of legislative proceedings as key reasons for the award.
The HallowMace National Legislative Awards are organised by HallowMace Africa to honour individuals and institutions that raise the bar in legislative reporting, governance, and public accountability. The 2026 edition will be held on Wednesday, July 9, at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites in Abuja’s Jahi District. 
Former Senate President of the Third Republic, Ameh Ebute, is slated to chair the ceremony. His presence is expected to draw attention to the event’s focus on accountability and performance in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Other categories at the awards recognize lawmakers from both chambers of the National Assembly, Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, parliamentary staff, and legislative aides. Winners were selected through a mix of public voting and consultations with the National Assembly Press Corps.
In parliamentary reporting, Babalola shared the stage with Oyediya Agwu Nancy Urum of AIT for Senate coverage and Joke Adisa of TVC for House coverage. The spread of honorees reflects coverage across traditional broadcast and digital platforms.
Among lawmakers recognised were Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Adams Oshiomhole, and Opeyemi Bamidele, alongside House members Chike Okafor and Bamidele Salam. Speakers from Anambra, Delta, Oyo, Niger, Bauchi, and Jigawa State Houses of Assembly also received awards for their legislative leadership.
The awards are a joint effort with the International Goodwill Ambassador Club, ERGAF Africa, and the Isabella Ayuk Foundation. Organisers say the goal is to promote transparency, accountability, and performance-driven recognition across Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
