The Senate Press Corps (SPC) has recognized the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, as the Most Outstanding Deputy President of the Senate since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999.
The prestigious award was presented on Tuesday during a ceremony at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, attended by executive leadership and members of the press corps, the official body of journalists covering the upper legislative chamber.
Speaking at the presentation, SPC Chairman Comrade Taye Odewale stated that the recognition followed an extensive evaluation of Senator Barau’s legislative contributions, presiding responsibilities, floor debates, oversight activities, constituency representation, accessibility, and commitment to humanitarian services.
Odewale, a veteran legislative correspondent with 22 years of experience covering the Senate, highlighted Barau’s legislative record, noting that the Deputy Senate President has sponsored 48 bills within 40 months of the 10th National Assembly, with five already enacted into law.
Key Legislative Achievements
Among the landmark legislative initiatives cited by the SPC leadership were:
The North-West Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023
The National Identity Management Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024
The Agricultural Research Council Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024
The Federal Medical Centre, Gwarzo, Kano State (Establishment) Bill, 2024
The Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo (Establishment) Bill, 2025
The media body also commended Senator Barau’s constituency empowerment initiatives, which have delivered infrastructure, economic programs, and social relief across Kano North Senatorial District, Kano State, the North-West geopolitical zone, and the nation at large.
Accepting the award, Senator Barau who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament expressed gratitude to the Senate Press Corps, describing the honor as both a motivation and a mandate for greater service.
“This honour is not only an acknowledgement of the work we have done but also a motivation to do even more. As the popular saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected,” Barau stated.
“I assure you that I will not let you down. I will not let the Senate down, the National Assembly down, or the entire legislature and country down. I remain committed to strengthening our democratic institutions, advancing people-oriented legislation, and delivering purposeful representation to my constituents in Kano North.”
The award reflects Senator Barau’s legislative leadership and legislative performance since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023.
