By Abdulkareem Haruna

Zannah Bukar Mustapha, internationally acclaimed humanitarian and founder of the Future Prowess Foundation School for orphans and underprivileged children, has been awarded the 2023 Global Citizen Award. 

The award is presented annually by Henley & Partners, a leading global residence and citizenship advisory firm, in collaboration with the Swiss humanitarian organization, the Andan Foundation.

The Global Citizen Award is a prestigious honor given to individuals who demonstrate exceptional bravery and dedication to the betterment and support of the global community. 

The award ceremony was held during the 17th Global Citizenship Conference at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai, UAE. The event was attended by various government leaders, policy makers, academic scholars, private client advisors, family offices, and a host of successful entrepreneurs and investors.

Mustapha is recognized for his instrumental role in securing the release of over 100 Chibok school girls, kidnapped by the Islamic militant group Boko Haram in Nigeria in April 2014. This act sparked the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign.

File: Pupils of Future Prowess Islamic Foundation School. Photo credit: Abdulkareem/HumanitarianTimes

His school, established in 2007 in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State and the heart of the Boko Haram uprising, offers free education, meals, uniforms, and healthcare to children affected by the conflict, from both sides of the actors symbolizing the reconciliation Mustapha envisions for the region.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and Founder of the Andan Foundation, praises Mustapha as a deserving and inspirational recipient. He commends Mustapha’s commitment to ensuring the safety and education of displaced and orphaned children amid the violence in Northern Nigeria. Kaelin describes Mustapha as a “game changer” who bridges societal divides by educating children from both sides of the conflict under one roof.

The Global Citizen Award is decided by a majority vote of the Global Citizen Award Committee. The award includes a specially designed medal by Italian artist Antonio Nocera, a certificate of award, and a cash prize of USD 25,000 that supports the recipient’s humanitarian efforts. Henley & Partners also pledges to work closely with the award recipient for a year, raising awareness about their work and supporting their selected project through the firm’s global network of over 40 offices.

Since its inception, the Global Citizen Award has recognized many extraordinary individuals, including German entrepreneur Harald Höppner, who initiated the refugee humanitarian project Sea-Watch, and Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Africa’s largest disaster relief organization, the Gift of the Givers Foundation.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Mustapha stated, “The global data sphere has undeniably emphasized humanity’s interconnectedness, creating an expansive realm with limitless possibilities. In contrast, unity among races, ethnicities, and citizens has become increasingly fragile. Only global citizenship can heal.”