Meet Ibrahim Zannah: A young Nigerian Muslim championing child rights, education

Ibrahim Zannah, a passionate child rights activist from Borno State, Nigeria, has become a prominent voice advocating for the rights and education of children, especially in conflict-affected areas.

Currently serving as the Deputy Speaker of the National Children’s Parliament and as an SCI Global Campaign Adviser, Zannah has risen from the insurgency-ravaged region of Borno to become an international advocate for change.

As a young Muslim, he has captured national and international attention with his relentless commitment to protecting children and ensuring their access to education. Zannah has been at the forefront of campaigns for the safety of children, particularly in the fight against insurgency in Nigeria and beyond.

During a two-day African Union Peace and Security Council Ministerial and High-Level Open Session, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Gambians Abroad at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Zannah delivered a powerful message advocating for the safety of children caught in conflict.

“History has taught us that we children are keen in our pursuit of knowledge and are filled with potential, not only for ourselves, families, communities but for our country and the world at large. The situation today has robbed us of this beautiful history, and when a child is robbed of his history, he settles for any future,” he stated.

He condemned the violence affecting children, asserting, “No one, absolutely no one can justify the killing of a single child,” while highlighting the resilience of children despite dire circumstances: “In the corridors of our vandalised schools, dangerous streets and within the confines of refugee camps our dreams persist.”

Quoting Malcolm X, he emphasized, “Education is the passport to the future; for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” He lamented the grim reality facing children: burnt classrooms, murdered teachers and parents, unsafe roads, battleground schools, and the tragic loss of innocent lives.

Zannah concluded with a poignant reminder that children are more than mere statistics: “Our well-being, our dreams, rest upon the actions taken by those entrusted with power. Let us not fail in our responsibility to protect, nurture, and empower every child affected by conflict.”

Through his unwavering dedication and advocacy, Ibrahim Zannah continues to inspire hope and drive action for a better future for children worldwide.