The Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairperson of the House of Representatives Spouses Association, Mrs. Fatima Abbas Tajudeen, has described her recognition by HallowMace Africa as a call to greater responsibility.
Mrs. Tajudeen stated this in Abuja after receiving the Award of Excellence at the HallowMace National Legislative Awards 2026, noting that the honour reflects the collective efforts of individuals and institutions committed to improving the lives of Nigerians.
She expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising service, excellence and commitment to nation-building, adding that the award was not merely a personal achievement but an affirmation of shared values.
“I receive this recognition with deep gratitude and humility. It is a reminder that leadership is not about personal triumph but about the collective efforts of many people working to build a more inclusive, compassionate and prosperous Nigeria,” she said.
The HORSA Chairperson commended HallowMace Africa for sustaining an initiative that celebrates individuals and institutions contributing to Nigeria’s democratic development.
She explained that her interventions through the Fatima Tajudeen Abbas Foundation have focused on women empowerment, education, healthcare, humanitarian support and social inclusion.
According to her, the foundation’s achievements were made possible through collaboration and a shared commitment to ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians are not left behind.
Mrs. Tajudeen reiterated her commitment to advocating for women, children and vulnerable groups, highlighting her campaigns against gender-based violence, support for cancer and malaria awareness, and advocacy for increased female representation through the Special Seats Bill.
She pledged continued support for initiatives that strengthen families, empower communities and promote equitable development across the country.
She also paid tribute to her husband, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, describing his leadership as people-centred and inspiring.
The Speaker’s wife further praised members of the 10th National Assembly for their dedication to lawmaking, oversight and constituency development, noting that the legislature has continued to strengthen democratic institutions through impactful legislation.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that governing a diverse country requires courage, vision and perseverance.
Mrs. Tajudeen also acknowledged the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her advocacy for women and vulnerable groups, noting that her humanitarian efforts continue to inspire hope across the country.
She urged Nigerians to continue investing in women, stressing that empowering women strengthens families and promotes national development.
“Recognition such as this is not an endpoint. It reminds us that much more work lies ahead. We must continue to promote good governance, social justice, education, economic empowerment and national unity,” she added.
She congratulated other award recipients and urged them to see the honour as motivation to continue serving with excellence and integrity.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of HallowMace Africa, Ambassador Sunny Anderson Osiebe, said the awards were designed to recognise lawmakers who have distinguished themselves in legislative performance and public service.
He noted that the event also marked the organisation’s 10th anniversary, describing it as a milestone achieved through resilience and consistency.
Osiebe explained that the awards aim to highlight lawmakers who have excelled in lawmaking, oversight and effective representation despite criticisms often directed at the National Assembly.
“We want Nigerians to understand that, despite the perception that the legislature is a rubber stamp, there are lawmakers who have consistently delivered dividends of democracy through quality legislation, oversight and effective representation,” he said.
He added that the success of the maiden edition may encourage the organisation to make the awards a recurring programme.
According to him, HallowMace Africa is considering organising the awards biennially to allow for a more objective assessment of lawmakers’ performance.
“We are encouraged by the success of this maiden edition. Going forward, we may consider organising it every two years because legislative performance is better assessed over a longer period,” Osiebe added.