By Our Reporter
Royalprince Media Services, publishers of Emporium Reporters, Emporium Magazine and Emporium Online TV, has concluded arrangements for the maiden edition of the Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026, a landmark event that will coincide with the 10th anniversary celebration of Emporium Reporters.
The event, scheduled for June 25, 2026, at Bukhari Bello Auditorium, National Human Rights Commission Headquarters,Abuja by 10am, is designed to recognise outstanding Nigerians and institutions whose contributions have made significant impact in leadership, public service, media, security, advocacy, entrepreneurship and national development.
Organisers said the event will also provide a platform for critical conversations on the future of digital media and its role in strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.
The lecture is themed “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigeria’s Democracy,” reflecting growing concerns about information integrity, ethical journalism and the responsibility of media practitioners in shaping public discourse in the digital age.
The programme will be held under the distinguished chairmanship of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Akinlabi Dare, while the Publisher of World Entourage Magazine, Abdullahi O. Haruna Haruspice, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.is billed to attend as Special Guests of Honour. Other prominent dignitaries expected at the event include the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu; the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu; the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu,; the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.
A major highlight of the event will be the recognition of distinguished Nigerians and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to service and national development.
Among those slated for recognition are the National Commander of the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, ACC John Attah Onoja, whose efforts have strengthened the fight against illegal mining and the protection of the nation’s mineral resources; the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Adekunle Balogun, for his contributions to strategic communication and diaspora engagement; and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose leadership has been widely acknowledged for driving reforms, innovation and improved service delivery within the Customs Service.
The awards will also honour the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, for his contributions to legislative development and industrial growth; the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, for her impactful leadership and advocacy for journalists’ welfare; and Fame Foundation, which will receive recognition for its sustained commitment to gender advocacy, social inclusion and community development.
Other recipients include respected energy consultant Dr. Wisdom Enang; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya; Founder of InnoBec Business School, Dr. Innocent Odey; Chief Operating Officer of InvestData Consulting Limited, Ambrose Omordion; and the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, whose leadership has strengthened Nigeria’s international broadcasting profile and strategic communication efforts.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Royalprince Media Services, Lukman Laleye Babalola, described the initiative as a platform dedicated to celebrating excellence, inspiring leadership and promoting conversations that advance national development.
According to him, the event is particularly significant as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of Emporium Reporters, a milestone that reflects a decade of commitment to credible journalism, public-interest reporting and constructive engagement on issues of national importance.
He noted that over the past ten years, Emporium Reporters has evolved into a respected digital news platform, contributing to informed public discourse while amplifying voices and initiatives that promote good governance and sustainable development.
Babalola added that the occasion will also witness the unveiling of a Special 10th Anniversary Commemorative Edition of Emporium Magazine, which will spotlight distinguished personalities and institutions whose achievements have left lasting impacts on society.
He expressed optimism that the lecture and awards ceremony would become a leading national platform for recognising excellence and fostering dialogue on issues affecting governance, media practice and democratic consolidation.
The event is expected to attract a broad spectrum of participants, including government officials, media executives, corporate leaders, development partners, diplomats, civil society actors and other stakeholders committed to promoting credible information, responsible leadership and national progress.
As Emporium Reporters celebrate a decade of impactful journalism, the Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026 is expected to reinforce the organisation’s commitment to excellence while charting a new course for meaningful engagement in Nigeria’s media and democratic landscape.
