By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Sun Publishing Limited, publishers of The Sun newspapers, has named the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as the recipient of its Innovative Legislator of the Year Award 2026.
The media organisation described Kalu as a “visionary leader for the 21st century”, citing his dynamic style of representation, legislative contributions and innovative approach to leadership.
The nomination was conveyed to the Deputy Speaker on Wednesday in Abuja when the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, led a delegation of the newspaper’s management team to present the nomination letter to him.
According to a press release signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Ukeh said Kalu’s selection followed extensive deliberations by the newspaper’s Board of Editors and was based on merit.
He explained that the Innovative Legislator of the Year Award recognises lawmakers who adopt dynamic approaches to representation and deliver results through innovative leadership.
Ukeh described Kalu, a lawyer, as a seasoned legislator, international businessman, peace advocate and global thought leader in governance and development, whose career spans more than two decades of service across the public and private sectors.
The newspaper recalled that Kalu began his political career as Chairman of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State before serving as Executive Adviser to the state governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and International Relations.
It noted that after his election to the House of Representatives in 2019, Kalu distinguished himself as Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and spokesperson of the House, where he introduced reforms to strengthen legislative communication.
Among the initiatives credited to him was the establishment of Green Chamber Magazine and the introduction of regular, transparent press briefings aimed at improving communication between the legislature and the public.
The Sun management further noted that Kalu’s re-election in 2023 paved the way for his emergence as Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives. He also chairs the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which is responsible for steering constitutional reform efforts.
The newspaper said his role in the constitutional review process was significant to ongoing efforts to deepen democracy, promote inclusion and strengthen national unity.
On constituency development, the management credited Kalu with sponsoring numerous bills addressing governance and development needs, as well as facilitating projects in road rehabilitation, education and healthcare across Bende Federal Constituency.
The projects, according to the statement, include medical centres, solar-powered boreholes and classroom blocks spread across the constituency’s 13 electoral wards.
The newspaper also highlighted Kalu’s academic qualifications, which include PhDs in Public Policy and Strategic Studies from the University of Abuja and in Law from the University of Calabar. He also holds an LL.M. in Terrorism and International Humanitarian Law, with distinction, from the University of Calabar; an MBA from Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom; and an LL.B. from the University of Calabar.
Beyond Nigeria, The Sun management cited Kalu’s roles in regional and international parliamentary bodies, including his position as Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament Committee on Administration, Finance and Budget, membership of the Pan-African Parliament, the Steering Committee of the WTO Parliamentary Conference and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
In the nomination letter, Ukeh said the award recognised Kalu’s blend of law, policy, diplomacy and humanitarian service in pursuit of a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
The formal presentation of the award is scheduled to take place at the 2026 Sun Awards ceremony on November 13 in Lagos.
