State legislators are set to make a bold impression at this year’s Papyrus Magazine State Houses of Assembly Awards (PAMSHAA), not merely for collecting plaques, but for the unusual story behind their recognitions.
The 2025 ceremony, billed for Saturday, 30th August, 2025 at the Ladi Kwali Hall, will see Sokoto lawmakers celebrated for categories that reflect people-driven politics, grassroots service, and even interfaith harmony — a mix rarely associated with legislative awards.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga was named “The Masses Most Loved House Member”, a distinction that came not from party leaders or political caucuses, but from the votes of Sokoto’s own Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN). His recognition points to a growing pattern in the awards — legislators judged by those who see their daily work up close.
Unusually, Sokoto also produced a strong cluster of legislators singled out for innovation in lawmaking. Hon. Abubakar Shehu Yabo and Hon. Kabiru Daudu both clinched the “Best Member with Private Member Bill Sponsored” category, underlining a renewed appetite in Sokoto for private legislation rather than government-driven bills.
Elsewhere, Hon. Moh’d Bello Idris (Gwadabawa North) was picked as “Most Vocal/Eloquent Member”, a nod to a tradition of fiery debates on the Assembly floor, while Hon. Shamsu Aliyu Wurno emerged as “Best Performing House Standing Committee Chairman” for steering the Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development and Hon. Bashar Isah Jabo (Tambuwal East), emerged as The Outstanding Grassroots Development Legislator.
One of the more striking recognitions went to the House Committee on Religious Affairs, crowned “Best Performing House Standing Committee”. The committee’s emphasis on interfaith dialogue and protecting religious freedoms stood out at a time when many state assemblies are criticized for neglecting harmony-building.
Grassroots politics also had its champions: Hon. Gidado Aminu Garba (Sokoto South II) earned the “Community Service & Welfare Champion” title, while Hon. Faruku Sidi and Hon. Nasiru Adamu will be honoured for “Most Impactful Motions” that resonated with community needs.
Organizers clarified that while Speaker Bodinga’s people’s choice win secures his place among national contenders, he will not compete against his own members in other categories. Instead, he faced fellow Speakers across the North-West zone for the hotly contested title of where he has emerged the Best Performing Speaker with Executive -Legislator Relationship Award.
The recognitions signal not just political awards, but a fresh narrative about Sokoto’s legislative culture — a culture where grassroots validation, bold private bills, and peace-building initiatives are redefining what makes a lawmaker stand out.
Sokoto
