The First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to the advancement of the West African region.

Senator Barau described President Tinubu, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, as a beacon of inspiration to all in the subregion.

The Deputy President of the Senate, according to his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2025 first Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament on Monday in Lagos.

Senator Barau acknowledged the ECOWAS Parliament’s deep appreciation of President Tinubu for his strategic vision and commitment to regional stability, economic integration and democratic governance.

He described the President as a “beacon of inspiration” and a “pillar of progress and cooperation,” whose leadership has strengthened regional solidarity and instilled confidence in the collective aspirations of West Africa.

“His leadership has paved the way for a more prosperous and resilient West Africa. The ECOWAS Parliament remains deeply grateful for his continued support and guidance,” he said.

Senator Barau also expressed the regional parliament’s gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for hosting the 2025 First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament.

In restating the Regional Parliament’s commitment to integration, Senator Barau emphasised the importance of cooperation, unity and development among member states.

” Through our collaborative efforts and decision-making, we can strengthen our region, working together towards shared goals that advance prosperity and progress. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to general unity, cooperation and progress,” he said.

The Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers house of assembly has asked Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, to present the 2025 appropriation bill within 48 hours.

The lawmakers issued the ultimatum during plenary on Monday.

In January 2025, Fubara signed the 2025 appropriation bill into law after it was passed by the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction of the Rivers assembly.

The Rivers legislature has been polarised following the rift between Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory, and Fubara.

On the 2nd of March 2025, which coincided with the 2nd of Ramadan 1446, , The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, officially launched the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme in the state capital. The ceremony took place at Dandali Centre, Fagge Local Government Area.

The state commissioner for information comrade Ibrahim Waiya stated this in a release issued to news men

Comrade Waiya said since the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-led government assumed office in Kano State, under the leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the state government has institutionalized this initiative to support vulnerable residents by providing them with daily iftar meals during the holy month of Ramadan. This annual programme is a humanitarian effort aimed at easing the difficulties faced by fasting Muslims.

Waiya said in order to recognis the needs of the state’s large population of Ramadan observers, the Kano State Government remains committed to ensuring that relief reaches those in need. Consequently, the government has approved the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme, with 91 designated feeding centers across the state. The initiative will cater to 91,000 people daily for 27 days.

To ensure the effective implementation of this year’s programme, catering service providers have been engaged to prepare and deliver 91,000 plates of food per day across all designated centers.

According to Waiya the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who also serves as the Chairman of the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme, expressed satisfaction with the smooth takeoff of the initiative. He made this known during a visit to Dandali Centre in Fagge Local Government Area. He further urged the catering companies involved to ensure timely and efficient delivery of meals to all feeding centers to achieve the programme’s objective.

During the flag-off ceremony, the Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Hon. Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Tijjani Auwal, the permanent secretary of the Deputy Governor’s office, and other top government officials, who serve as members of the Ramadan Feeding Programme Committee.