Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu Sweeps Three Prestigious National Awards for Exceptional Legislative Leadership

Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has earned widespread national recognition after securing three prestigious awards in 2026 for his outstanding legislative service and contributions to democratic governance.

The honours were conferred by three leading national media organisations The Sun Newspapers, Daily Times of Nigeria, and New Telegraph each acknowledging Kalu’s impactful leadership, legislative excellence, and commitment to national development.

Representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, Kalu also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, where he has played a central role in driving constitutional amendments and key legislative reforms.

According to an official notification dated June 8, 2026, The Sun Newspapers selected Kalu as the recipient of the Legislative Icon Award 2026 following what the publication described as a rigorous editorial selection process. The award is scheduled to be presented during The Sun Awards ceremony in Lagos on November 13, 2026.

Similarly, Daily Times of Nigeria, through its publisher Folio Media Group, named Kalu the DTN@100 Lawmaker of the Year (House of Representatives). Organisers disclosed that he emerged with the highest number of votes after an extensive nomination and public voting exercise before receiving final approval from the Times Heroes Award Council. The award ceremony is expected to take place in Abuja on September 3, 2026.

Adding to the recognition, New Telegraph selected the Deputy Speaker for its inaugural Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Legislative Work. The newspaper highlighted his legislative accomplishments since joining the National Assembly in 2019, including his service as House Spokesman during the 9th Assembly and his current role as Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly.

The publication also commended Kalu’s leadership of the Constitution Review Committee, his support for landmark legislative reforms such as the Acts Authentication Act and the Nigerian Communications Act, as well as his establishment of the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) an initiative promoting non-kinetic approaches to addressing insecurity and fostering peace across Nigeria’s South-East region.

In addition, the newspaper acknowledged his efforts in strengthening collaboration between the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Executive arm of government, describing his contributions as instrumental to Nigeria’s democratic progress.

The New Telegraph Special Recognition Award is scheduled to be presented in Lagos on December 4, 2026.

The triple recognition further reinforces Benjamin Kalu’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most influential lawmakers, with his legislative initiatives, constitutional reform agenda, and peace-building efforts continuing to attract national attention and commendation.