A Nigerian philanthropist and lawyer, Zanna Bukar Mustapha, has been honoured with Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2016 in Scotland on Thursday.
Mustapha’s school provides free uniform, feeding, shoes and healthcare service for children who lost their parents to Boko Haram insurgency.
Mustapha was shortlisted alongside Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow and David Nott “in recognition of the incredible and inspirational work they do every day and the difference they make to others.”
According to a Scottish newspaper, Carrick Herald, “Zannah Bukar Mustapha is a lawyer who strives to make lives better for children and young people affected by the conflict between Boko Haram – an Islamic extremist group – and government forces in Nigeria.
“He spent many years working to counter the growing radicalisation of children and young people and founded the Future Prowess Islamic Foundation – a primary school for orphans and less privileged children from both sides of the conflict.
“Zannah’s school provides free meals, free education, uniforms and health care, with the aim of achieving a lasting peace in the future.”
The newspaper quoted Zannah as saying, “I am exceedingly happy and deeply touched at being selected for such prestigious award. I have never thought that a little effort in faraway Nigeria could be measured up to an icon whose work in promoting human dignity is long-standing.”
