Nigerian lawmakers Benjamin Kalu and Opeyemi Bamidele react to winning prestigious legislative awards.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, recently expressed deep appreciation after being named recipients of major legislative honors by a leading national media organization, according to information published by NIGERIA.
The announcement came during an official visit by the management team of The Sun Publishing Limited, led by Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Onuoha Ukeh, who formally presented the award nomination letters to the distinguished federal lawmakers in Abuja.
Both leaders emphasized that the unlobbied, rigorous recognition of their public service will inspire them to deliver even greater legislative impact for citizens, ahead of the official award ceremony scheduled for November 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
The Sun Innovative Legislator of the Year recognition
Benjamin Kalu accepted the nomination for Innovative Legislator of the Year, reflecting on his longstanding history with the media establishment dating back to its founding years. He noted that the honor feels particularly authentic because it comes from a rigorous editorial review process rather than financial lobbying.
Highlighting his core motivation as tangible societal impact, Kalu also used the platform to announce upcoming legislative measures focused on the health and security sectors. These forthcoming bills are designed to introduce transformative changes to the daily lives of everyday Nigerians across the country.
Opeyemi Bamidele Senator of the Year honors
Opeyemi Bamidele received the nomination for Senator of the Year, describing the recognition as a significant endorsement from a highly credible media institution. He expressed profound gratitude that the selection was made purely on merit without any active lobbying on his part.
The Senate Leader stressed that public officials should focus on staying loyal to their national oath of office rather than seeking constant applause. He noted that the 10th Senate under current leadership has successfully passed more than ninety bills, including key reforms like the Student Loan Act.
Rigorous selection process by editors
Managing Director Onuoha Ukeh explained that the Board of Editors selected the lawmakers after extensive deliberations, praising Kalu for modernizing parliamentary communication and driving non-kinetic security solutions through the Peace in the South East Project.
Ukeh also commended Bamidele for his effective leadership in the upper chamber and his historical background as a former student leader and legal defender of the late Chief Moshood Abiola. The upcoming event will also honor prominent figures like Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Headline winners at The Sun Awards 2026
The prestigious awards event will take place on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrating excellence across governance, business, and public service.
- Governor Hope Uzodimma emerges as Man of the Year.
- Alhaji Mohammed Idris wins Minister of the Year alongside Dr. Tunji Alausa.
- Oliver Alawuba named Banker of the Year for UBA.
- Access Bank Plc recognized as Bank of the Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won The Sun Innovative Legislator of the Year award?
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, won The Sun Innovative Legislator of the Year award for his impactful bills and dynamic representation.
Who is the recipient of The Sun Senator of the Year award?
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, received The Sun Senator of the Year award in recognition of his dedicated service and legislative leadership in the 10th Senate.
When and where will The Sun Awards 2026 take place?
The Sun Awards 2026 will hold on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Which governor was named Man of the Year by The Sun?
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State emerged as the Man of the Year for the 2026 edition of the awards.
