The highly anticipated Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026 will take place on June 25, 2026, in the capital city of Abuja. Organised by Royalprince Media Services—the respected publishers behind Emporium Reporters, Emporium Magazine, and Emporium Online TV—this inaugural event marks a historic milestone.
The gathering directly coincides with the landmark Emporium Reporters’ 10th anniversary celebration. It establishes a dual-purpose platform specifically designed to recognise outstanding leadership, institutional excellence, and remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s national development.
Examining the Digital Media Role in Nigeria Democracy
The central focus of this year’s gathering addresses how modern communication platforms shape governance. Under the timely theme, “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigeria’s Democracy,” the presentation will explore the critical role of digital media in Nigeria’s democracy. Key conversations will dissect how online channels can best promote credible information, uphold responsible journalism, ensure state accountability, and foster sustainable democratic growth across the federation.
Distinguished media experts and state actors will lead these crucial dialogues. Chief Sunday Akinlabi Dare, CON, FNIS, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, will chair the event. Furthermore, Abdullahi O. Haruna Haruspice, the esteemed Publisher of World Entourage Magazine, will deliver the keynote address to set the framework for the day’s proceedings.
Abuja Gathering Honours Outstanding Leadership Awards
A key highlight of the upcoming schedule is the presentation of the outstanding leadership awards at the Abuja ceremony. This segment will bring together an array of highly influential public figures and policymakers. The event will feature distinguished personalities, including Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, President of the Senate, as Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu; the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu; Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, OFR; and Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.
“The initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to promoting credible journalism, responsible leadership and national development,” noted Lukman Laleye Babalola, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Royalprince Media Services.
Celebrating the Emporium Reporters 10th Anniversary Milestone
Babalola further explained that reaching the Emporium Reporters’ 10th anniversary serves as a vital testament to a decade of impactful reporting, active public engagement, and an enduring commitment to informing wider society. To properly mark this decade of work, the organisers will officially unveil the Special 10th Anniversary Commemorative Edition of Emporium Magazine during the programme. This publication extensively documents the specific achievements of individual personalities and public institutions making meaningful contributions across different economic and social sectors.
As part of the formal event, distinguished Nigerians and institutions that have demonstrated exceptional service and leadership will be honoured. The official award recipients include:
- ACC John Attah Onoja, National Commander, Mining Marshals, NSCDC
- Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Adekunle Balogun, Director Media, Public Relations and Protocol, NIDCOM
- CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service
- Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, OFR, Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry
- Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman, NUJ FCT Council
Additional recognitions will be presented to the Fame Foundation for Gender Advocacy and Social Impact; Dr. Wisdom Enang, Energy Consultant; Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya, former Member, House of Representatives; Dr. Innocent Odey, Founder, InnoBec Business School; Ambrose Omordion, Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Consulting Limited; and Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director-General, Voice of Nigeria.
The upcoming Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026 is expected to attract a massive gathering of government officials, media executives, corporate leaders, policymakers, and civil stakeholders. Each participant remains thoroughly committed to advancing credible communication channels and protecting long-term democratic values across Nigeria.
