News June 20, 2026 HallowMace Africa And Partners Unveil Final Shortlisted Nominees For The July 2026 National Legislative Awards Conferments

Theme: Celebrating Distinguished Leadership, Parliamentary Excellence, and Public Service

ABUJA, NIGERIA. In anticipation of the prestigious National Legislative Award ceremony scheduled for  9th of July 2026 at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja, the HallowMace Africa and its partners have officially released the final shortlisted lists of awardees (Voting Category).

Following a rigorous and transparent process that combined public online voting with extensive consultations with key parliamentary stakeholder groups, including the NASS Press Corps, the Nigerian Conference of Speakers, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), and the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASLAF). The Foundation and it's partners are proud to present the outstanding individuals whose legislative impact and service to the nation have earned them this recognition.

These finalists represent the pinnacle of legislative diligence across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

1. NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: Most Outstanding Lawmakers

Selected via public voting & NASS Press Corps consultations

South East

Senate: Sen. Enyinnaya Abariba

House of Representatives: Hon. Chike Okafor

South South

Senate: Sen. Adams Oshiomole

House of Representatives: Hon. Inombek Awaji-Abiante

South West

Senate: Sen. Solomon Olamilekan and Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (tie)

House of Representatives: Hon. Bamidele Salam

North Central

Senate: Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduanghan

House of Representatives: Hon. Jonathan G. Gaza

North East

Senate: Sen. Muhammed Monguno

House Of Representatives: Hon. Ahmadu Usman Jaha

North West

Senate: Sen. Sunday Katung

House of Representatives: Hon. Sada Soli

2. STATE HOUSES OF ASSEMBLY: Most Outstanding Speakers

Selected via extensive consultations with the Nigerian Conference of Speakers

South East

· Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly

South South

· Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly

South West

· Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly

North Central

· Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly

North East

· Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly

North West

· Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu, Speaker, Jigawa State House of Assembly

Special Recognition /Long Service Achievement Awards

· Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly

3. Most Outstanding Parliamentary Staff

Selected via consultations with the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN)

· Dr. Cornelius Ikalumhe (Senate) 

· Mr. Paul Adara Adiwu – (House of Representatives) 

4. Most Outstanding Legislative Aides

Selected via consultations with the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASLAF)

· Hajia Hauwa M. Lamin (Senate) 

· Mr. Agwunobi Peter Anochie (House of Representatives) 

5. Most Outstanding Parliamentary Reporters

Selected via consultations with the National Assembly Press Corps

· Oyediya Agwu Nancy Urum (AIT) - Senate

· Joke Adisa (TVC) – House of Representatives

· Comrade Babalola Lukman Laleye (Emporium) - New Media

Event Details

Event: National Legislative Awards 2026

Date: 9th July 2026

Venue: NAF Conference Center, Abuja

Time: 4pm

Chairman of the Occasion:

His Excellency,  Senator Ameh Ebute

President of the Senate

Third Republic. 

Special Guests of Honour:

His Excellency,  Senator Godswill Akpabio 

President of the Senate

His Excellency,  Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas 

Speaker,  House of Representatives 

His Excellency, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki 

President of the Senate 

9th National Assembly 

Host: HallowMace Africa, in partnership with ERGAF Africa, International Goodwill Ambassador Club and IsabellaAyukFoundation (Also in partnership with key legislative support groups)

A Word From HallowMace Africa And Partners

"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/Parliamentary partners for ensuring a credible selection process. 9th Of July 2026 will be a night of pure legislative honour."

Media Accreditation & Inquiries

Members of the press seeking accreditation for coverage of the July 2026 event should contact the HallowMace Africa public Communications Desk. 

Signed

Amb. Oguh Hyginus John

Head, Public Communications Desk

HallowMace Africa

08055414610

08036786790

News June 20, 2026 Democratic Youth Assembly Of Nigeria Pledges Support For Armed Forces, Seeks Strategic Partnership With Defence Headquarters

The Democratic Youth Assembly of Nigeria has reaffirmed its support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and pledged to partner with Defence Headquarters in promoting peace, national unity and public awareness on security issues across the country.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership and members of the Assembly to Defence Headquarters, Abuja. 

Speaking during the visit, the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede who was represented by the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Rear Admiral SA Lawal expressed appreciation to the Assembly for the honour and commended Nigerian youths for their growing interest in national development and security. He emphasized that meaningful engagement with youth groups remains vital to strengthening national cohesion and fostering collective action towards lasting peace and stability.

The CDS noted that insecurity continues to pose significant challenges to the nation, with the activities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist elements and other criminal groups adversely affecting lives, livelihoods and socio-economic development. He, however, assured the youths that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, remains committed to providing strategic direction and support to security agencies in addressing the nation's security concerns.

General Oluyede stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working closely with other security and intelligence agencies, remain resolute in conducting operations across various theatres to protect citizens, restore peace and preserve the nation's territorial integrity. He further urged Nigerian youths to reject violence, extremism, misinformation and all forms of criminality, while embracing dialogue, peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement as tools for national development. He called on youths to support ongoing government efforts by providing credible information to security agencies, promoting responsible use of social media and serving as ambassadors of peace within their communities.

Earlier in his remarks, the National Coordinator, Democratic Youth Assembly of Nigeria Amb. Bashir Nasiru Garki commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their sacrifices and sustained efforts in combating insecurity across the country. He observed that the achievements of the military are often overshadowed by misinformation disinformation and propaganda despite the significant progress being recorded in various operational theatres.

The National Coordinator also called for a formal partnership between the Assembly and Defence Headquarters to promote peace, national unity and greater public understanding of security-related issues. He pledged the support of Nigerian youths in countering misinformation and disinformation targeted at the Armed Forces.

The Assembly further expressed confidence in the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, praising his frontline leadership style, frequent visits to operational theatres, commitment to troop welfare and dedication to national security.

The visit concluded with the presentation of a souvenir to the Chief of Defence Staff in recognition of his outstanding service, leadership and contributions to the defence and security of Nigeria.

Comr. Sadik SK Zango, CCS, CNS

Director of Information, Media and Strategic Communications 

On Behalf of the National Coordinator and National Executive Council 

Democratic Youth Assembly of Nigeria 

19th June, 2026

News Politics June 20, 2026 BREAKING!!! INEC Declares Oyebanji Winner As APC Dominates All 16 LGAs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday.

STATEPRESS reports that the governor was re-elected after polling 319,224 votes over his closest rivals in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olumayokun Oluyede and African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dare Bejide, across the state’s 16 local governments.

The Returning Officer for the election, Prof Adenike Oladiji, who is the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, announced the results in the early hours of Sunday at the INEC’s headquarters on Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Oladiji said, “Therefore, I, Adenike, am the returning officer for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election…Oyebanji Abiodun Abayomi, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and stands re-elected.”

While the APC polled 319,224 votes, the PDP candidate polled 40, 533 votes, and the ADC candidate amassed 12,872 votes.

There are 988,251 registered voters, and 384,940 are accredited.

Out of the 382,109 votes cast, the total valid votes in the election were 375, 777.

According to INEC’s results, the PDP candidate, who hails from Efon-Alaaye in Efon LGA, lost in his local government area.

While the APC and its candidate, Oyebanji, scored 8,742 votes, the PDP, which came second in the LGA, garnered 2,051 votes.

Below are the full results of the governorship election as collated at the State Collation Centre from the 16 LGAs on Sunday.

Efon Local Govt

Collation officer: Prof. Joseph Ojo

ADC – 201

APC – 8742

PDP – 2051

Ijero LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Olaniran Akanni

ADC – 2026

APC – 25506

PDP – 2479

Ikere LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Kehinde Jayeoba

ADC – 245

APC – 11116

PDP – 9872

Emure LG

Collation Officer: Prof Emmanuel Oluwafemi

ADC -732

APC – 14325

PDP – 851

Ekiti South West

Collation Officer: Prof. Kola Oladunmoye

ADC – 1076

APC – 14705

PDP – 1800

Ido/Osi

Collation Officer: Prof. Otalobi Akintunde

ADC – 561

APC – 17901

PDP – 1449

Ekiti West

Collation Officer: Prof Bolaji Stephen

ADC – 674

APC – 28258

PDP – 3644

Ado LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Toye Fasinmirin

ADC – 1054

APC – 38026

PDP – 3817

Ilejemeje LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Kehinde Mogaji

ADC – 579

APC – 8984

PDP – 1243

Ise/Orun LG

Collation Officer: Dr John Isa

ADC – 365

APC – 12907

PDP – 1627

Oye LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Jide Popoola

ADC – 998

APC – 18975

PDP – 2891

 

Moba LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Suleiman Adegboyega

ADC – 994

APC – 20500

PDP – 1572

 

Ayekire/Gbonyin LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Oso Bamidele

ADC – 314

APC – 17133

PDP – 1563

 

Ikole LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Sadiat Adifala

ADC – 812

APC – 26508

PDP – 750

 

Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA

Collation Officer: Prof. Michael Adeyemi

ADC – 511

APC – 29278

PDP – 2119

 

Ekiti East LGA

Collation Officer: Prof. Olabode Olatunbosun

ADC – 1730

APC – 26359

PDP – 2795

The collation and counting of results which started around midnight ended by 4:00am today with one of the INEC accredited foreign election observer,  Nouvelle Perspective Internationale present to witness the exercise and declaration.

Headline Politics June 20, 2026 Voting Ends in Ekiti Governorship Election as Foreign Observer, Nouvelle Perspective, Scores Process High

Voting Ends in Ekiti Governorship Election as Foreign Observer, Nouvelle Perspective, Scores Process High

WATCH VIDEO BEFORE 

Voting has ended in the ongoing Ekiti State Governorship Election, with foreign observer group, Nouvelle Perspective, expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise across the state.

The observer group, which deployed ad-hoc staff to all the 16 local government areas of the state, described the process as peaceful and orderly, noting that a high turnout of voters was recorded in many polling units monitored by its team.

Nouvelle Perspective attributed the impressive turnout to the appreciable presence of security personnel across the state, saying their deployment provided the electorate with the confidence needed to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise without fear.

Speaking on the exercise, the National Coordinator of Nouvelle Perspective, Hon. Jim Okolo, commended voters, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring a smooth voting process.

According to him, "From our observations across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State, there was a remarkable turnout of voters and a commendable level of orderliness. The visible presence of security personnel gave confidence to citizens to come out and participate in the democratic process."

Hon. Okolo further stated that the Ekiti Governorship Election would serve as a litmus test for the general elections scheduled for early next year.

"The Ekiti Governorship Election is a litmus test for the general elections coming up early next year. The lessons learnt here and the level of preparedness demonstrated by stakeholders will be crucial in shaping expectations for the nationwide exercise," he said.

He added that the group would continue to monitor the collation process and would issue a comprehensive report on its findings at the conclusion of the election.

Results collation is expected to start soon at the collation centre at Ekiti INEC headquarters. The presidimg officers of the polling units already sending in result amidst tight securities.

Other members of Nouvelle Perspective who monitored the elections are Alex Nwankwo,  the electoral Correspondent, Comrade Loyce Ogueri, Dr. Odo Joseph, Eno Brown, other's.

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Headline Politics June 20, 2026 Former Councillorship Candidate, Loveth Izekor Appointed SA To AMAC Chairman

Former Councillorship Candidate, Loveth Izekor Appointed SA To AMAC Chairman

An advocate for women empowerment and community development, Hon. Loveth Izekor, who contested to represent the City Centre ward in Abuja Municipal  Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a councillor has been appointed the Special Adviser in Women Affairs to the Area Council Chairman.

The appointment is contained in a letter addressed to her by the Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.

Friends and associates have congratulated the new appointee, expressing hope that she will bring her wealth of experience in effectively amplifying the voices of women in the Council.

She was once quoted as saying that her expertise has been honed through training at the Centre for Leadership and Strategic Development. Passionate about inspiring and empowering people, especially younger women, she is the founder of Young Ladies in Politics, an NGO operating across Nigeria, where she provides leadership mentorship.

With a strong background in the banking sector, she brings a unique blend of business acumen and leadership expertise to her new office. 

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration.

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Headline Politics June 19, 2026 JUST IN: Tinubu Grants Customs Boss Adewale Adeniyi Final Six-Month Tenure Extension

JUST IN: Tinubu Grants Customs Boss Adewale Adeniyi Final Six-Month Tenure Extension

President Tinubu has granted a final six-month tenure extension to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale  Adeniyi.

 

As Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi’s first tenure extension ought to have expired on August 1, 2026.

 

The six-month extension, which will expire in February 2027, is to enable him to consolidate the implementation of the National Single Window and ensure an orderly succession in the service.

 

During the transition period, Adeniyi, working with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Board, will ensure the promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and the compulsory retirement of officers who have attained 60 years of age or have served 35 years.

 

Adeniyi joined the Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 80s. 

 

He rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Comptroller in 2012, Comptroller in 2017, Assistant Comptroller General in 2020, Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in January 2023, before his appointment by President Tinubu in June 2023 as the Comptroller General. 

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Entertainment Headline June 19, 2026 SHOCKING BATTLE!!! FunnyBruno, Mr Odey Fight Over Professional Supremacy, Accuse Each Other of Stealing Jokes*

*SHOCKING BATTLE!!! FunnyBruno, Mr Odey Fight Over Professional Supremacy, Accuse Each Other of Stealing Jokes*

.... _as Gordons, Amb. Wahala dragged in the verbal Fiasco!!_

Two notable MCs and comedians, Funny Bruno and Mr. Odey Jacob popularly known as Odey D Uncommon Comedian are now personalities of public debate following their appearances on' Ybits Oketa's podcast where they both accused each other of stealing and delivering other people's jokes.

Both individuals are popular in Abuja entertainment space and have built large fan bases in their years of thrilling guests at social functions.

They are seen as models and mentors to younger generation of comedians but their recent public fight has caught fans analyse their strength and professional achievements.

In his appearance on the Fire And Ice TalkShow, Mr Odey D Uncommon Comedian faulted the claim by FunnyBruno in which he is accused of stealing joke lines belonging FunnyBruno. 

Responding to the allegation, he spoke in pigin English he said, "Bruno get joke? Go and ask him, him get joke? Him get joke na em e never dey all over Nigeria", he said.

He continued, "I don't steal jokes. The most important thing is, in this life, do your research, carry your materials the way you want to carry it and deliver it. My pattern is different from whoever you're calling", he stated.

While claiming that everyone steals jokes, Mr. Odey said his jokes have been at different occasions delivered at events while he goes ahead to deliver a different thing. He denied allegations of being a problematic person, after falling out with Amb. Wahala and now Bruno.

FunnyBruno has quickly fired back, saying he has never seen Mr Odey demonstrate creativity, saying his jokes are predictable.

"in fact most of the jokes Odey cracks are just mere Twitter cut and join jokes. Memes, just like that. Odey is not a creative comedian since nearly tens years he knew Odey. He equally accused Odey of stealing Gordons joke.

According to him, Mr. Odey cannot perform in big stages where creativity matters, saying Odey has not gone for a talent hunt Spontaneity all his entertainment career. 

"Me and Odey are not on the same level, when it comes to stand up comedy or creativity", he said. 

Rivalry among entertainers is very common in Nigeria, even in the music space where Faze and 2Face for a long time used music to shade each other.

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