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<p>By Abba Anwar</p><div class="rSS0Dh0e" style="clear:both;float:left;width:100%;margin:0 0 20px 0;"><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

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<p>The Deputy Senate President Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin’s commitment and Pan African posture is recognized beyond the showers of Nigeria, as an association from ECOWAS States, called<br />
Réseau des Jeunes du Sahel pour le Progrès, le Développement et la Démocratie (Network of Sahel Youth for Progress, Development and Democracy) recognizes him with SANKOFA Award for Legislative Excellence in Africa.</p>
<p>Mr Fassoko Doumbia, the President of the association who was represented by Dr Najib Usman, during the Award Ceremony, discloses that, &#8220;This year’s Award goes to a man who embodies the spirit of unity and visionary leadership. Senator Barau I. Jibrin of Nigeria, stood out among six exceptional nominees from across the region to win this inaugural Award.&#8221;</p>
<p>They encouraged that, &#8220;As Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Barau has been a champion of inclusive development, infrastructure growth, and educational reform. His leadership shows us that legislation can be more than just lawmaking — it can be nation-building.&#8221;</p><div class="WtA8Gw4a" style="clear:both;float:left;width:100%;margin:0 0 20px 0;"><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

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<p>It is crystal clear for all to understand how relevant and important Deputy Senate President, who also happens to be the First Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau is, to the progress and development of our sub-region.</p>
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<p>This Award gives proper interpretation of how the awardee proves his mettle when it comes to the definition in humor, progressive engagement, unwavering patriotism, invaluable commitment to democracy and development.</p>
<p>It is as inarguable as it is a reality that Africa is not only interested in this gentleman, even his legislative steps and his indelible mark in governance are closely observed by sub-regional democratic tools. This association, in this context.</p>
<p>Mr Usman, talking from the standpoint of Pan Africanism and in appreciation of DSP&#8217;s role across the sub-region, urges that, &#8220;The Sahel and West Africa stand at a crossroads. The challenges we face — insecurity, poverty, and political instability — will not be solved by isolation or division.</p>
<p>It is time to heal, to reconcile, and to rebuild our bonds as one region, one family. We therefore call on ECOWAS and all regional leaders to take bold steps to readmit Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali into the community of nations. Unity is not a luxury — it is a necessity for progress.&#8221;</p>
<p>The Award is the first of its kind to an illustrious son of Africa. Which signifies that our Nigerian Senator, in person of DSP Barau, is not only a symbol of excellence, hardwork, genuine commitment, embodiment of courage and humility all in the spirit of brotherhood, but a great asset of substance and fruitful engagement for Africa&#8217;s sustainable development.</p>
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<p>Which prompted the SANKOFA Award to come his way. Especially when the President of the association acknowledged that, &#8220;Today marks a historic moment for our network and for our beloved region. For the very first time, we gather to present the Sankofa Award for Legislative Excellence — an award designed to honor those whose work in the legislature is shaping a better tomorrow for Africa.&#8221;</p>
<p>It is no longer a secret to say that with political leaders like DSP Barau, sub-regional and regional integration are but few miles away, that can be reached in no distance future. As put by Dr Usman who disclosed that, &#8221; This event is also a testament to our collective commitment to regional solidarity. Some of our most dedicated members have traveled from across the Sahel and spent the last five days here in Abuja preparing for this presentation.</p>
<p>I wish to specially recognize Mr. Ndao from Senegal, Mr. Bukum from Mopti, Mali, and Mr. Diallo from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Your presence here reminds us that this award is not just a Nigerian affair — it is a celebration of the entire region’s hope for better governance and stronger democracies.&#8221;</p>
<p>As the Award is being handed over to the Awardee, Dr Usman appreciates that, &#8221; Senator Barau, it is my great honor to present you with the first-ever Sankofa Award for Legislative Excellence. May this inspire not just you, but all of us, to work together for a Sahel that is peaceful, united, and prosperous.&#8221;</p>
<p>Come and listen to this gentleman and a rare gem of abundant substance in his response after receiving the Award Distinguished Senator Barau appreciated that, &#8220;I thank you for recognizing what I have been doing in the legislature of our country. And for the unity of our continent. I feel this Award is not the end of the entire thing. It is a wake up call for me to do more. So I take it as a challenge.&#8221;</p>
<p>To tell you how fast and engaging is the Senator in fulfilling his assigned responsibility from ECOWAS Parliament, he reveals that, &#8220;As the Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, I and my other colleagues are up and doing to work round the clock, to foster unity. For the integration of the people of the sub-region.&#8221;</p>
<p>The patriotism and Pan Africanism in him led his mind to pray that, &#8220;We do hope that Mali, Niger Republic and Barkina Faso will soon come on board, like Guinea. If you look at the configuration of our people, we are one and the same. So let&#8217;s continue to put heads together for the integration, progress and development of the sub-region and Africa as a whole.&#8221;</p>
<p>As he acknowledged and appreciated the group, he said. &#8220;What you are doing now is in line with our core mandate, to integrate our people. I can&#8217;t thank you enough. The fact that you have spoken your local languages, shows that, yes you are all ready for the integration of our people.&#8221;</p>
<p>The Deputy Senate President, with a courageous voice filled with hope assured how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing wonderfully well in integrating people and their environment across the Sahel. His words, &#8221; We are also thankful that the Chairman of ECOWAS, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing well in this respect for integrating our people.&#8221;</p>
<p>The philosophy behind SANKOFA was mentioned, when Dr Usman highlighted that, &#8220;The Sankofa bird teaches us to look back and learn, even as we move forward. And today, as we celebrate our honoree, we must also challenge ourselves to reflect on the state of governance, peace, and unity in our region.&#8221;</p>
<p>Anwar writes from Kano State<br />
Sunday, 7th September, 2025</p>
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