Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Royalprince Media Services, publishers of Emporium Reporters, Emporium Magazine and Emporium Online TV, has announced the maiden edition of the Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026, scheduled to take place on June 25, 2026, in Abuja. The prestigious event, which coincides with the 10th anniversary celebration of Emporium Reporters, is aimed at recognising exceptional leadership, institutional excellence, and outstanding contributions to national development. With the theme, “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigeria’s Democracy,” the lecture will examine the growing influence of digital media in advancing responsible journalism, promoting credible information, strengthening accountability and supporting democratic governance in Nigeria. The event will be chaired by Chief Sunday Akinlabi Dare, CON, FNIS, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, while renowned media entrepreneur and Publisher of World Entourage Magazine, Abdullahi O. Haruna Haruspice will deliver the keynote lecture. Among the distinguished personalities expected at the event are Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, President of the Senate and Special Guest of Honour; Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation; Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, Director-General of NYSC; IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Inspector-General of Police; Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, OFR, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission; and Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency. As part of the celebration, notable Nigerians and institutions who have demonstrated exemplary service, leadership, and impact in their respective fields will receive awards of excellence. The award recipients include ACC John Attah Onoja, National Commander, Mining Marshals, NSCDC; Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Adekunle Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, NIDCOM; CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service; Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, OFR, Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry; and Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council. Others slated for recognition are Fame Foundation for its advocacy and social impact initiatives; Dr. Wisdom Enang, Energy Consultant; Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya, former Member of the House of Representatives; Dr. Innocent Odey, Founder of InnoBec Business School; Ambrose Omordion, Chief Operating Officer of InvestData Consulting Limited; and Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria. Speaking ahead of the event, Lukman Laleye Babalola, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Royalprince Media Services, said the initiative underscores the organisation’s commitment to promoting credible journalism, responsible leadership and national development. According to him, the 10th anniversary of Emporium Reporters represents a significant milestone, celebrating a decade of impactful reporting, public engagement, and unwavering dedication to informing and empowering society. A major highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the Special 10th Anniversary Commemorative Edition of Emporium Magazine, which chronicles the achievements of notable personalities and institutions making meaningful contributions across various sectors of the economy. The Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026 is expected to attract top government officials, media executives, corporate leaders, policymakers, development partners and other stakeholders committed to advancing credible communication, good governance and democratic values in Nigeria.
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