By Blessing Patrick
The political and diplomatic corridors of the nation’s capital will converge on the National Assembly Complex on Monday, June 29, 2026, as The Parliament Diary Newspaper hosts the 6th edition of its prestigious Lecture Series and Award Ceremony.
With the theme “Steering the Ship: Building a Resilient Nigeria”, the event is set to interrogate the nation’s most pressing governance, legislative, and economic questions while celebrating Nigerians whose service has become a compass for national direction.
A CONVERGENCE OF STATE ACTORS
The high-profile gathering will be chaired by Rt. Hon. Dr. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, PhD, Chairman, House Committee on Protocols, Treaties and Agreements in the 9th National Assembly.
Leading the array of distinguished personalities is the Chief Guest of Honour, His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Special Guests of Honour include: His Excellency Rt Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State; His Excellency Senator Barau Jibrin Ibrahim, the Deputy President of the Senate; His Excellency Dr. Olayide Adelami, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State; Senator AbdulAziz Abubakar Yari, Chairman Senate Committee on Water Resources; Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, APC 2027 Governorship Candidate; Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Chairman Senate Committee on Gas, and Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The event will also be graced by eminent Guests of Honour including Rt. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Chairman Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, ESV (Chief) Victor Adekunle Alonge, immediate past President of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Chief Dr. Victor Chukwuemeka Onukwugha President/CEO of Bauhaus International Limited
Mrs. Rose Omoa Oriaran-Anthony, Commission Secretary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Royal Father of the Day is HRH Barr. Joel S. Aninge PhD, MFR, Odyong Nyankpa of Nyankpa Chiefdom, while Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, Chairperson Senators Spouses Association will serve as Mother of the Day.
INTELLECTUAL ANCHOR FOR NATIONAL RESILIENCE
Setting the intellectual tone for the discourse, Prof. Oyadiran Phillip Adeyinka, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Gowon University Abuja, will deliver the Keynote Address. His lecture is expected to provide a scholarly framework on legislative leadership, fiscal reform, and the institutional resilience needed to steer Nigeria through economic and security headwinds.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE
A major highlight of the day will be the presentation of awards to Nigerians across politics, public service, real estate, diplomacy, academia, and civil society who have demonstrated exceptional impact.
Top honours include:
– His Excellency Senator Barau Jibrin Ibrahim, Deputy President of.the Senate –Outstanding Legislator of the Year
– His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State – Outstanding Governor of the Year Award for Governance and Development
– His Excellency Senator AbdulAziz Abubakar Yari, Chairman Senate Committee on Water Resources – _Africa’s Legislative Leader for Humanitarian Impact and National Unity Award
– His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory – _Outstanding Politician of the Year
– Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Chairman Senate Committee on Gas – Best Performing Senator of the Year
– Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, APC 2027 Governorship Candidate – Outstanding Public Officer of the Year
– Hon. Oforji Oboku – Outstanding Rep Member of the Year for the Prolific Legislator Award
– Hon. Julius Pondi– _House of Representatives Member of the Year Award for Commitment and Diligent Service
– Rt. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa – Africa’s Voice for Diaspora Affairs and Legislative Advocacy Award
– Dr. Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, Chairperson Senators Spouses Association – Mother of the Nation Award for Compassionate Leadership_
– Hon. Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning – _Africa’s Champion of Fiscal Reform and Economic Transformation Award
– Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs – _Grand Ambassador of Nigerian Diplomacy Award
– Chief Dr. Victor Chukwuemeka Onukwugha, President/CEO Bauhaus International Limited – Real Estate Development and Housing Delivery Icon of the Year
– ESV (Chief) Victor Adekunle Alonge, Immediate Past President of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers – Distinguished Professional Leader and Real Estate Reform Champion Award
– Amb. Jake Epelle, Founder/Chief Executive Officer iof the TAFAfrica Africa’s Champion of Disability Rights and Inclusive Democracy Award
– Hon. Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete, Executive Director Business Development NEXIM Bank – Iconic Woman Leader of the Year
– Mrs. Rose Omoa Oriaran-Anthony, Commission Secretary, Independent National Electoral Commission – Distinguished Public Servant of the Year Award
– Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme – Social Impact Person of the Year
– His Royal Majesty Achiame Friday Odini Abaja, Ukwata 1 of Umukwata Kingdom – Outstanding Traditional Ruler and Community Advocate of the Year
Institutional and professional awards will also be conferred on NIDCOM as Government Agency of the Year, ALDRAP for Champion of Legislative Advocacy Award, alongside recognitions for leaders in veterinary science, academia, humanitarian service, and diaspora engagement. Recipients include Prof. Helen Egoyibo Oputa-Chime, Deputy Registrar Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, President Nigerian Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Prof. Mathew Adamu, President Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Pastor Solomon Abumere Folorunshun, Founder Home for the Needy Foundation, Dr. Mrs. Ganiat Adogeri Ezeikpe Okorie, Assistant Director (Senate Directorate), National Assembly, Abuja, OtuEkong Chief (Dr) Otu Okor FCAI, Chairman Cross River State Diaspora Commission, Bishop Dr Harrison Obiogho Presiding Bishop o the Light of the World Mission Inc, Prophetess Amb. Dr. Happiness Michael-Ebube, Founder Highflyer Heroes Ministries, and Barr. Isaac A. Danladi, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasarawa State,.among others.
WHY JUNE 29 MATTERS
Speaking ahead of the event, the Management of The Parliament Diary noted that the 6th Lecture Series is designed as more than an awards night. “Nigeria is at a critical turn. ‘Steering the Ship’ is a call to those in the wheelhouse of power – legislators, executives, traditional rulers, professionals – to build institutions that can weather storms. We are honouring those already doing that work, and challenging others to join.”
The ceremony is expected to draw senators, House members, governors, ministers, diplomats, traditional rulers, industry leaders, and civil society actors, making it one of Abuja’s most anticipated legislative and policy gatherings this year.
PARTICIPATION
For participation, partnership, and sponsorship, contact:
08050202443, 08036443430, 08020505121
Email: [email protected]
Signed:
Management
The Parliament Diary Newspaper
