Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has been named recipient of three major national recognitions in 2026 for outstanding legislative service and contributions to national development.
A press statement signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, revealed that the awards came from The Sun, Daily Times of Nigeria, and New Telegraph newspapers.
Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State at the National Assembly also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review.
In its letter dated June 8, 2026, The Sun Newspapers announced him the winner of The Sun Legislative Icon Award 2026.
The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the Paper, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh in the letter said the Board of Editors picked Kalu after a rigorous selection process.
“We write to notify you that the Board of Editors of The Sun Publishing Limited, after a rigorous selection process, has picked you as winner of The Sun Legislative Icon Award 2026”, Ukeh said.
The letter added that the award will be formally presented to the Deputy Speaker on Friday, November 13, 2026, at The Sun Awards in Lagos.
Similarly, Folio Media Group, the Group Publisher of Daily Times of Nigeria, also selected Kalu as DTN@100 Lawmaker of the Year (House of Representatives).
In a letter signed by the Chairman, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, the organisation said the Deputy Speaker emerged with the highest number of votes after an extensive nomination and public voting process.
“On behalf of the Board, Management and Organising Committee of the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Celebration, we are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to receive the DTN@100 Lawmaker of the Year (House of Representatives).
“Following an extensive nomination and public voting process, you received the
highest number of votes in this award category. The Times Heroes Award Council and other key stakeholders subsequently confirmed your selection in recognition of your leadership, public service and contribution to national development.
“Recipients of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards will be featured among the most outstanding personalities and institutions in the 700-page Nigerian Grand Book”, the letter read in parts
The letter stated that the public conferment of the awards will take place in Abuja on September 3, 2026.
Also, the Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited nominated Kalu for its maiden “Special Recognition, Outstanding Legislative Work” award.
In a letter dated Friday, July 31, 2026, the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Ayodele Aminu, said the award is a distinct event from the regular New Telegraph Award Night and will hold every four years.
The paper cited Kalu’s representation of Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State since 2019, his tenure as House Spokesman in the 9th Assembly, and his current role as Deputy Speaker in the 10th Assembly, noting his various contributions to the development of Democracy through robust
legislative engagements across the country.
It also highlighted Kalu’s work as the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review and Amendment, support for bills including the Acts Authentication Act and the Nigerian Communications Act, and his initiation of the Peace in South-East Project (PISE-P) which preaches non kinetic measures of tackling insecurity in the South East region, saying the feats are worthy of commendation.
“We have diligently followed your activities in the House of Representatives, since you were first elected in 2019. We have no doubt that you have represented the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State effectively, from being the House Spokesman in your 1st term to emerging as Deputy
Speaker under the 10the Assembly.
“We have noted your various contributions to the development of Democracy through robust
legislative engagements across the country.
“We noted particularly, your zeal and effort as the House Committee Chairman on Constitution Review and Amendment though extensive stakeholders’ engagements proposal and support for various bills, motions, and acts, including the Acts Authentication Act, and the Nigerian Communications Act.
“Initiation of the Peace in South-East Project (PISE-P), aimed at promoting security and social development in the region.
“That is in addition to your various efforts at keeping the House in harmony with the Senate and the Executive Arm of government.
“We will therefore, be pleased to present you with award at the “Special Recognition Awards Ceremony”, the letter reads.
The official presentation of the award is scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2026 in Lagos.
