The Sun Recognises Kalu’s Legislative Record, Names Deputy Speaker Innovative Legislator of the Year 2026

The Sun Publishing Limited has named Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as the recipient of its Innovative Legislator of the Year Award 2026, citing his legislative performance, leadership style and contributions to governance.

The latest recognition follows a recent honour conferred on the deputy Speaker by Daily Times of Nigeria, which named him Lawmaker of the Year (House of Representatives) at its Nigeria @100 Centenary Awards in September.

According to a report by National Concord, Kalu received the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Times Heroes Lawmaker of the Year Award at a ceremony held at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja on September 3, 2026. The recognition followed a nomination and public voting process, with the Times Heroes Award Council subsequently confirming his selection.

The two recognitions place renewed attention on Kalu’s legislative activities and leadership in the 10th House of Representatives.

The Sun’s Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Onuoha Ukeh, announced the selection on Wednesday in Abuja while presenting the award nomination letter to Kalu on behalf of the newspaper’s management.

According to Ukeh, the newspaper’s Board of Editors selected the Deputy Speaker following extensive deliberations, describing his approach to representation as dynamic and results-oriented.

He said the award recognises lawmakers who adopt innovative approaches to representation and achieve measurable outcomes.

In the nomination letter, The Sun management described Kalu as a visionary leader for the 21st century, noting that his career spans more than two decades across the public and private sectors.

The management highlighted Kalu’s background in law, business, peace advocacy and governance, alongside his experience in public service.

Kalu previously served as Chairman of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State and as Executive Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Millennium Development Goals and International Relations.

Following his election to the House of Representatives in 2019, he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and spokesperson of the House.

During his tenure, The Sun management said he introduced initiatives aimed at improving legislative communication, including the establishment of the Green Chamber Magazine and regular press briefings.

Kalu was re-elected in 2023 and subsequently emerged as Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives. He also chairs the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, which coordinates legislative work on proposed constitutional amendments.

The newspaper further cited his sponsorship of bills addressing governance and development, as well as constituency projects in Bende Federal Constituency covering road rehabilitation, education and healthcare.

These interventions, according to the management, include medical centres, solar-powered boreholes and classroom blocks across the constituency’s 13 electoral wards.

Beyond Nigeria, Kalu holds leadership and membership positions in regional and international parliamentary institutions. These include the ECOWAS Parliament, where he chairs the Committee on Administration, Finance and Budget; the Pan-African Parliament; the Steering Committee of the World Trade Organization Parliamentary Conference; and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

The Sun management also highlighted his academic qualifications, which include a PhD in Public Policy and Strategic Studies from the University of Abuja, a PhD in Law and an LLM in Terrorism and International Humanitarian Law from the University of Calabar, an MBA from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom, and an LLB from the University of Calabar.

In the nomination letter, Ukeh said the selection was based on Kalu’s record of representation and his approach to leadership.

The formal presentation of The Sun’s award is scheduled for November 13, 2026, at the newspaper’s annual awards ceremony in Lagos.

The announcement was contained in a press release issued on October 15, 2026, by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.