The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has been recognised by the Senate Press Corps for sponsoring 49 bills within 40 months of the 10th National Assembly, with five securing presidential assent.
The recognition was presented on Tuesday, following an assessment by journalists who have covered the National Assembly since June 1999.
The Senate Press Corps said the recognition was based on Barau’s legislative record, including the number of bills he sponsored and his previous experience as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
According to the journalists, Barau is the only one among the five Nigerians who have occupied the position of Deputy President of the Senate since 1999 to have held the Appropriations Committee chairmanship in both chambers at different times.
His position as Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament was also cited as another feature of his legislative experience.
The citation presented at the ceremony highlighted some of the projects and institutions linked to his legislative interventions.
These include the establishment of the North-West Development Commission, the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, and the Federal Medical Centre, Gwarzo, all in Kano State.
Responding to the recognition, Barau expressed appreciation to the Senate Press Corps, describing the honour as a motivation to intensify his contributions to the legislature and national development.
He said the recognition came with greater expectations and a responsibility to deliver more for his constituents, the National Assembly and Nigerians.
“I am truly grateful and deeply appreciate this gesture. This recognition will serve as a propeller, motivating me to do even more. As the popular saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.
Barau added that the award was not only an acknowledgement of his previous contributions but also a challenge to sustain his commitment to legislative development.
“I want to assure you that I will not let you down. I will not let the Senate down, I will not let the National Assembly down, and I will not let the entire legislature or our country down,” he stated.
He pledged to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the legislature and advancing the country’s overall development.
“I promise to continue doing more for the development of the legislature and, indeed, for the advancement and overall development of our country,” he added.
