BARRISTER ZANNAH BUKAR MUSTAPHA: THE MAN WHO FOUGHT FOR PEACE

BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

In the bustling streets of Maiduguri, amidst the dust and chaos of northeastern Nigeria, there exists a beacon of hope in the form of a man named Zannah Bukar Mustapha. Born in 1959, depending on the account, Mustapha’s life story reads like a gripping novel, weaving through the realms of law, education, and humanitarianism.

Early in his career, Mustapha excelled as a lawyer, navigating the intricate web of Nigeria’s legal system with finesse and integrity. However, in 2007, he made a decision that surprised many: he left the prestigious world of law to pursue a higher calling. With a heart filled with compassion, he established a school for orphaned children, providing them with the gift of education and hope for a brighter future.

But Mustapha’s dedication to service didn’t end there. In 2016, he opened a second school, expanding his reach to even more disadvantaged youth in the region. His schools became sanctuaries of learning, offering not only academic education but also moral guidance and emotional support to children who had lost so much in the turmoil of conflict.

However, Mustapha’s most remarkable feat came during the tumultuous years of 2016 and 2017 when he emerged as a key mediator between the Nigerian government and the notorious insurgent group, Boko Haram. With unwavering determination and a commitment to peace, he facilitated negotiations, aided by the Swiss Red Cross, which ultimately led to the release of 103 kidnapped Chibok girls—an event that captivated the world and brought a glimmer of hope to a region plagued by violence and despair.

Unlike those who seek glory or recognition, Mustapha shunned the spotlight, preferring to remain steadfast in his mission to serve the marginalized and the oppressed. He is a man of humility and grace, whose actions speak volumes louder than words. As one colleague described him, “He is a warrior, not in the conventional sense of the word, but in his unwavering dedication to the cause of peace and justice.”

Despite his extraordinary contributions to humanity, Mustapha’s name remains relatively unknown on the global stage. However, there is hope that Nigeria, his homeland, will recognize his immense impact and nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize—a well-deserved honor for a man who has dedicated his life to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. It’s time for Barrister Zannah Bukar Mustapha to take his rightful place among the pantheon of peacebuilders, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps and strive for a world where compassion triumphs over conflict.