The Boko Haram insurgency started in 2009 in Borno state. Since the inception of this deadly sect, the state has known no peace but conflict that destroys lives and properties, renders families homeless and children orphans.
In an effort to assist the children affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, a Borno state born and based legal practitioner Barrister Zannah Bukar Mustapha, established a school for the orphans since the government cannot do it alone. With the help of some community leaders he gathered orphans in his community and started teaching them. The children are taught both Islamic and western education.
This led to the establishment of Future Prowess Islamic School where more orphans are enrolled as many of them could not be accommodated in his compound. Therefore, he sought assistance from some kind-hearted politicians and wealthy individuals who contributed in building a bigger and spacious school.
The school has more than 1,000 orphans who receive free education, meals, uniform and health care. Scholarships are also awarded to deserving children to study abroad.
Despite different threats to his life, family and loved ones, Barrister Zannah has not given up on saving the children’s souls and future through qualitative education. He stands tall and resilient and continues his humanitarian activity.
The relentless efforts and sheer determination of Zannah give the children a brighter future because the legal practitioner believes the children are the future of Borno state, Nigeria and the world at large as they are the leaders of tomorrow; indeed the orphans also deserve a better good life.
Zannah also played a critical and pivotal role in the release of 103 kidnapped girls of Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno state; some of the released girls are currently studying in universities overseas. He has also donated parts of his family land to the Borno state government to house some internally displaced persons, IDPs.
The life-saving efforts of Barrister Zannah have made him a prominent personality locally and internationally including the United Nations. He has received different awards on dedication, determination, commitment and good work for the love of children and education. These awards include: the Unsung Hero 2014 Daily Trust, World Humanitarian award 2016, Winner of the 2017 UNCHR’s Nansen Refugee Awards and the first Nigerian to be selected as an Aurora Humanitarian.
Widows are not left out of his kind gesture. He has, in partnership with the UN, established a training and skills acquisition center where widows receive free training on any skill of their choice, to make them self-reliant.
People like Barrister Zannah are few and a rare gem in our society. He puts children and education first. He saves their souls for today and tomorrow and he gives them priority and reasons to be part of the society that cares and loves them. Zannah has written his name with a golden pen on the sands of time and posterity will never forget his philanthropy.
Muhammad writes from the
Department of Mass Communication,
University of Maiduguri
