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Tag: Senator Barau

  • Reflections on service, mentorship: Senator Barau’s visit to Media Office 

    Reflections on service, mentorship: Senator Barau’s visit to Media Office 

    • By Ismail Mudashir 

    I was overwhelmed with joy when my principal, boss, mentor, and benefactor, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, PhD, FCNA, paid a visit to the media unit of his office, which I have the honour and privilege of heading by the grace of Allah (SWT) and the confidence of His Excellency.

    His Excellency visited the media office at about 6:00 p.m. yesterday while on his way to a meeting at the old chambers of the National Assembly. The parliament had been on yuletide recess since December and is scheduled to resume on January 27.

    Although I officially assumed the role of spokesperson to His Excellency on July 23, 2023, our relationship dates back to 2013, when we met at an event at the Kano Government House, during the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC). At the time, I was the Regional Editor of Daily Trust Newspapers in Kano. 

    Fondly known as Maliya, he was already a key figure in Kano’s political landscape even then. Over the years, our relationship blossomed in the form of a news hunter and a newsmaker.

     In 2015, shortly after the election results were announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he called me and expressed his desire for the poll’s outcome to be published on the front page of the Daily Trust newspapers. I advised him to pay for an earpiece advert, and he bought the idea. Consequently, the results of the governorship election won by Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the three senatorial districts won by Senator Barau (Kano North), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano Central), and Senator Kabiru Gaya (Kano South) adorned the front page of Daily Trust, courtesy of Senator Barau.

    In June 2015, the Eighth Senate was inaugurated, and Senator Barau was one of the 109 Senators who were sworn in. By providence, a month later, in July, the management of Daily Trust redeployed me from Kano to Abuja as the head of the company’s National Assembly team.

    Upon my assumption of duties at the National Assembly, Senator Barau saw me and was visibly delighted, as I was. Holding my hands, he said, “You are going to be my press secretary.” I thanked him and responded, “Insha’Allah.” Since then, anytime we meet, he either calls me press secretary or editor.

    Throughout the eighth and ninth Senate sessions, I served as his unofficial media aide. In 2016, when he became the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, he introduced me to the clerk, Mrs Ngozi Nkemdirin, as his media aide with a directive that all his adverts be routed through me. Mrs Nkemdirin is now the Special Adviser (Administration) to Senator Barau. 

    The relationship endured even after I was redeployed to the State House in 2018 and later to the headquarters of the Daily Trust newspapers in 2019, where I served as Group Politics Editor. There has been no break in our association since our first meeting in 2013.

    When I was appointed Deputy General Editor of Daily Trust Newspapers, he phoned me and said, ” Place a full page coloured advert for me congratulating you.” I respectfully advised against it. He is always there for everyone, irrespective of their status, faith, ethnicity, and other differences.

     Eight years later, I formally assumed the role of his media aide, a position I had, in essence, performed informally for eight years.

    If being a workaholic, meticulous, and deeply committed to national development are qualities to be measured, then few can rival Senator Barau. He is a democrat to the core, a patriotic and pan-Nigerian par excellence, a man of his word and humility personified, who is committed to the plights of the masses; hence, he is always accessible. Come to the National Assembly or his residence, and you will attest to this fact.

    Maliya Ikon Allah, Insha Allah, Sai Kayi Muradinka.

    Mudashir, is the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity.

  • Senator Barau awards scholarships to 1,000 Undergraduates in Kano

    Senator Barau awards scholarships to 1,000 Undergraduates in Kano

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has awarded scholarships to 1,000 undergraduates to study various courses at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.

    The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ismail Mudashir, in a statement, said that award letters will be distributed to the beneficiaries in Kano on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

    He said that the scholarship scheme is being implemented through the Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), which is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and providing educational opportunities to deserving students from Kano State.

    Read Also: Foundation ends 2025 summer lessons, awards scholarships in Kwara  

    He said the matriculation ceremony for the beneficiaries selected from Kano State will be held on Monday, September 22, at the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.

    Last year, the Deputy President of the Senate, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, sponsored 70 students to pursue postgraduate studies in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Forensic Sciences, among others, abroad. 

    Similarly, 300 students have been selected to pursue postgraduate studies in six Nigerian universities: Bayero University Kano, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

  • Barau’s impact in legislative governance

    Barau’s impact in legislative governance

    • By Zaharaddeen Shuaibu

    Fifteen outstanding legislative activities, cutting across major spheres of the country’s socio-economic landscape have placed the Deputy President of the  Senate,  Senator Barau Inuwa Jibrin on the front burner in 2024.

    His contributions spanned several key areas, including bill sponsorship, infrastructure development, empowerment initiatives, and scholarship programs from January to December 2024.

    • Foreign PG scholarship to 70 students

    In reverse order, the Deputy President of the Senate sponsored 70 students selected from the three senatorial districts of Kano State to pursue postgraduate studies in AI, Cybersecurity, and Forensic Science, among others, in India.

    The beneficiaries, who departed the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA on Sunday, December 29th, are now in universities in India pursuing their studies in various ICT-related fields.

    • Top bills sponsorship in Senate

    Among the 109 senators in the country, Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, topped the bills sponsorship chart at the Upper Chamber.

    Tallying the figure from the Rules and Business Committee of the Senate, the

    members of the  Senate Press Corps, the umbrella body of all journalists covering the Senate, presented the Deputy President of the Senate with the “Highest Development-Driven Bills Award.”

    Chairman of the corps, Mr James Itodo, said that based on their analysis of bill sponsorship from June 13, 2023, when the 10th Assembly was inaugurated to December, 2024, their record showed that Senator Barau topped the bill sponsorship chart of the parliament.

    • 1,000 Motorcycles to Kano Police Command

    To enhance policing across the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano State, Senator Barau facilitated 1,000 motorcycles to the Kano State Police Command.

    The official handover ceremony took place at the Bompai Police Headquarters, and jubilant celebrations were held among the officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force on October 23rd, 2024.

    • Splashing of motorcycles to players, officials of Barau FC

    Following their promotion to the Nigerian National League (NNL), Senator Barau distributed motorcycles to the players and officials of his football club, Barau FC; in October, he splashed motorcycles to the players and officials as part of their rewards. This is in addition to the monetary bonuses awarded to the team.

    •Renaming of Federal University of Education to Maitama Sule Federal University of Education Kano

    Senator Barau’s bill for the renaming of the Federal University of Education to Maitama Sule Federal University of Education Kano has scaled through the first reading.

    The renaming was in recognition of the contribution of the late elder statesman and diplomat to the development of Kano, the North and the country in general.

    •Senate Constitution Review Committee Retreat in Kano 

    Senator Barau, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, led Senators and other stakeholders of the Committee to a retreat in Kano State. This significant gathering brings together key stakeholders to deliberate on critical amendments that will shape the nation’s future.

    In his address, Senator Barau emphasised the importance of aligning the constitution with the aspirations and expectations of Nigerians, assuring that  the task is to consider and recommend changes that will advance freedom, equality and justice for all while ensuring that our Constitution remains a robust framework that unites us as a people.

    Read Also: Beneficiaries of Senator Barau’s foreign scholarship depart for India

    • NWDC bill assent by Mr President

    Tuesday, July 23, 2024, will remain a historic and unforgettable day in the history of Senator Barau’s political life and, indeed, the entire people of the seven states in the North West geopolitical zone. It was the day President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appended his signature to the North West Development Commission (NWDC) bill, making it an Act.

    NWDC was established to address the developmental challenges in the Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, and the seven North West states. Already, N585.9bn has been proposed for the commission’s takeoff in the 2025 budget proposal presented at the joint session of the National Assembly on December 18 by President Tinubu.

    • 69 trucks of fertiliser to Kano farmers

    One of the things that led to the bumper harvest recorded in Kano State in the last farming season was the distribution of 69 trucks of fertiliser to farmers across the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano State.

    Irrespective of political differences, senatorial districts, and other affiliations, Senator Barau distributed 41,400 bags of fertiliser to local farmers.

    • Defection galore rocks NNPP

    The gale of defection rocking the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State started on July 26th with Muttaka Balarabe Tuta, who dumped the red cap movement courtesy of Senator Barau.

    From then on, hundreds of top shots, leaders, and prominent members of the NNPP have been thrashing their red caps, the symbol of the Kwankwsiyya movement in Kano State. The development has given sleepless nights to the national leader of the party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

    • When ECOWAS Parliament relocated to Kano

    In April, the ECOWAS Parliament, comprising lawmakers from 15 African countries, relocated to Kano, the centre of Commerce, for almost a week. It was the second extraordinary session of the 6th legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament.

    Parliamentarians from 12 African countries attended the session courtesy of the Deputy President of the Senate, who acted as the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament for months.

    • Launching of Kano North Transport Service (KNTS) with 107 busses

    In April, Senator Barau launched the Kano North Transport Service (KNTS)  to boost commercial activities in Kano North Senatorial District, Kano State and North.

    • Rice to over 200,000 households in Kano

    In his efforts to cushion the effects of economic hardships and assist the masses, the Deputy President of the Senate distributes rice to over 200,000 households during the year under review.

    The gesture was shared across all groups of people within the three senatorial districts of the state, including clerics, party members, security agencies, and his constituents, among other groups.

    • Shining star at international parliament scene

    The Deputy President of the Senate participated in the 18th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation – Parliamentary Union (OIC-PUIC) Member States in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

    The conference convened to address the critical issue of climate change under the theme “Climate change in the world: How do union members confront it?” This gathering was a significant platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together representatives from the 57 Member States of the OIC-PUIC.

    • Honourary Doctorate Degree by BUK

    The Bayero University Kano (BUK) conferred honourary doctorate degrees on the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, in recognition of his contributions to education and youth development.

    The ceremony was held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, during the grand finale of the 38th convocation of the university at the New Campus of the institution, Gwarzo Road, Kano.

    • Bichi gets Immigration Training School

    Senator Barau also facilitated the establishment of a state-of-the-art Training School of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Bichi, Kano North, which will significantly bolster the nation’s security, on January 11, 2024.

    This initiative underscores Senator Barau’s dedication to equipping NIS personnel with top-notch facilities for comprehensive training and retraining.

    Similarly, Gwarzo, Danbatta, Dawakin Tofa,  and Gabasawa are to get FUDMA study centres in line with Senator Barau’s vision to take university education to the doorsteps of his constituents.

    These activities have endeared the Deputy President of the Senate to all stakeholders in Kano State, the North and across the country.

    •   Shuaibu is the Personal Assistant to the Deputy President of the Senate on Print Media.
  • Senator Barau to Nigerians: support Tinubu to succeed

    Senator Barau to Nigerians: support Tinubu to succeed

    • …distribution of fed govt palliatives launched in Kano

    Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, on Sunday, September 8, urged Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu their unflinching support to enable the president succeed in his efforts to addressing the nation’s socio-economic challenges.

    Barau made the call while launching the distribution of palliatives to the seven states of the northwest.

    The event was held at Meena Events Centre, Kano on Sunday.

    The deputy senate president noted that the current hardship confronting the citizens was not peculiar to Nigeria.

    “Usually, whenever a country, anywhere in the world, is going through difficult times, the citizens rally round their leaders to enable them address the challenges.

    “In Nigerian, President Bola Tinubu came onboard when there were wars and so many economic factors in many countries across the globe that had and still have negative effects on the nation’s economy.

    “However, the Tinubu administration is making tremendous efforts in addressing the problems. Please, let us support the president, let all Nigerians support President Tinubu to enable him navigate the nation out of the current challenges,” he said.

    Barau explained that it was the president’s efforts to reduce hunger that the federal government was distributing palliatives, made up of rice and other food items, to the less privileged people.

    He said because of the irregularities observed in distribution of the presidential palliatives around the country in the past, the federal government decided to re-strategise by constituting committees to undertake the exercise by ensuring equitable distribution of the foodstuff.

    Read Also: Group accuses Kano governor’s aide of peddling fake news about Senator Barau

    Barau said: “The global economy is grossly affected by a lot of unfortunate events that include wars like Ukraine versus Russia as well as the Israel/Palestine wars.

    “We also know that from the beginning of the beginning, President Bola Tinubu started with economic challenges not peculiar to Nigeria but a worldwide incident.

    “It is this situation that makes the president to fund programmes that will alleviate the difficulties, through the introduction of distribution of palliatives.

    “However, the distribution faced some lapses that it had to be restructured in such a way that the distribution will reach those in the grassroots.

    “The committee set up in Kano has also been constituted in other states and that is why we are here to commence the distribution accordingly. We are taking these food items down to the grassroots so that it will reach those who actually need it.”

    Barau vowed that as the chairman of the palliatives distribution committee for the northwest sub-region, he will ensure equitable sharing of the commodities.

    He disclosed that the earlier distribution was not judiciously done, in accordance with the scheme, as the president directed that is why they had to rejig the committee for equitable and judicious distribution of the food items.

    “Here in Kano, we have resolved that the people take care of the sharing themselves in the best manner possible and the committees should go down to the grassroots,” he said.

    The Senate president commended the president for his commitment and passion for providing sucour and care for the Nigerian people.

    He also thanked Tinubu for approving and setting up the Northwest Development Commission, saying it will bring in the region the way the Niger Delta Development Commission has impacted on the people of the area.

    Minister for Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed that 23,644 bags (25kg) of rice were distributed to the needy in Kano on Sunday, adding that 19.3 trucks of rice are to be distributed in Kano.

    He further said that, besides the free rice to be distributed, each state will get 10 trucks of rice at a subsidised amount, however, Kano will get 70 trucks of the subsidised rice.

    Also speaking, House of Representatives member representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano, Alhassan Ado Doguwa said the distribution was unprecedented as it was timely, transparent and equitable.

    “This is the first time palliatives are being given at the right time, openly and judiciously. This is unprecedented and it will ameliorate the suffering of the people in great measure,” he said.

    Doguwa called on Kano people to return Tinubu in 2027 because of his people-oriented leadership.