The Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairperson of the House of Representatives Spouses Association (HORSA), Mrs. Fatima Abbas Tajudeen, has described her recognition by HallowMace Africa as a call to greater responsibility, saying the award reflects the collective efforts of individuals and institutions committed to improving the lives of Nigerians.
Speaking after receiving the Award of Excellence at the HallowMace National Legislative Awards 2026 in Abuja, Mrs. Tajudeen expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising service, excellence and commitment to nation-building.
She said the honour was not merely a celebration of personal achievement but an affirmation of the values of compassion, integrity and inclusive leadership.
“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.
Mrs. Tajudeen commended HallowMace Africa for sustaining an initiative that celebrates individuals and institutions making meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.
She noted that through the Fatima Tajudeen Abbas Foundation, her interventions have focused on women empowerment, education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance and social inclusion.
According to her, the foundation’s achievements are the product of collaboration, goodwill and a shared commitment to ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians are not left behind.
The HORSA Chairperson reiterated her commitment to advocating for women, children and vulnerable groups, highlighting her campaigns against gender-based violence, support for cancer and malaria awareness programmes, and advocacy for greater female representation in legislative institutions through the Special Seats Bill for women.
She pledged to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen families, empower communities and promote equitable development across the country.
Mrs. Tajudeen also paid tribute to her husband, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, describing his people-centred leadership and commitment to public service as a constant source of inspiration.
She equally praised members of the 10th National Assembly for what she described as their dedication to lawmaking, oversight responsibilities and constituency development.
According to her, the legislature has continued to strengthen democratic institutions and respond to national challenges through impactful legislation and people-oriented initiatives.
She also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying governing a diverse country like Nigeria requires courage, vision and perseverance.
Mrs. Tajudeen further acknowledged the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her advocacy and interventions in support of women, children and vulnerable citizens, 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, transforms communities and contributes to 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 said.
She congratulated other award recipients, encouraging them to see the honour as motivation to continue serving with excellence, integrity and dedication.
HallowMace Africa Explains Rationale for Legislative Awards
Speaking after the event, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of HallowMace Africa, Ambassador Sunny Anderson Osiebe, said the awards were organised to recognise lawmakers who have distinguished themselves in legislative performance and public service.
He explained that the event also marked the organisation’s 10th anniversary, describing it as a milestone achieved through consistency, resilience and commitment.
Osiebe said the awards were designed to highlight legislators 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 disclosed that although the event was conceived as part of the organisation’s anniversary celebration, the overwhelming success recorded may encourage HallowMace Africa to make it a recurring programme.
According to him, the organisation is considering staging the awards every two years rather than annually, to allow sufficient time for an objective assessment of lawmakers’ performance.
“We are encouraged by the success of this maiden edition. Going forward, we may consider organising it biennially because legislative performance is better assessed over a longer period,” Osiebe added.
