Imam who hid Christians during Plateau killings to receive award

 Abdullahi Abubakar, the 83-year-old imam who hid over 200 people, including Christians, during an attack in Plateau, has been chosen to receive the 2018 Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) award.

Abubakar was chosen alongside Ifeanyi Okowa, Okezie Ipkeazu, Ibrahim Dakwambo, Kashim Shettima, governors of Delta, Abia, Gombe and Borno states respectively.

Also named to receive the award is Daisy Danjuma, senator and wife of Theophilus Danjuma, former defence minister.

All the award recipients, according to the organisers, were chosen recognition of their “meritorious service and varied roles, played by each, in support for nation building and advancement of democracy, development and good governance in Nigeria.”

The NYPF award is part of the event to mark the 5th anniversary ceremony of the forum.

The event is scheduled to hold on December 1, 2018 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Speaking on the event, Moses Siasia, NYPF chairman, said “this years’ anniversary banquet and award ceremony is special, and it is dedicated to outstanding Nigerians who deserve to be celebrated.

“We considered several individuals for the various categories of the award this year. And, to headline the award we have selected Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the Imam of Nghar Village in Plateau State.

“This Imam single-handedly saved over 300 men, women and children when suspected herdsmen invaded some communities in Plateau State.

“This is the quality of service to nation that NYPF has identified and we are committed to promoting this kind of good deed so that other Nigerians can do the same. If we have more people doing good, then we will be a better country.”

Others recipients of the award include are Akinwunmi Adesina, president of AfDB, Nasir Gawuna, deputy governor of Kano state, Godswill Akpabio, Osasumwen Igbinedion CEO, TOS TV Networks, Elisha Attai, founder of AWLO and Hamzat Lawal, chief executive officer of Connected Development (CODE).