The Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF), has awarded Imam Abdullahi Abubakar several other Nigerians for their contribution to development of the society.
The 83-year-old Abubakar from Nghar Village, Gashish district in Barkin Ladi who received the award at the commemoration of NYPF fifth anniversary was said to have sheltered almost 300 persons in his mosque during when several communities were raided in Plateau State.
Some other beneficiaries of the awards included Abdul Samad Rabiu, for building human capacity, Bashir Surajo for community development, Osasumwen Igbinedion for women development among others.
The Chairman of NYPF Moses Siasia in his address said the forum was doing all it can to safeguard the future and destiny of Nigeria which he said depended on the youths.
“We have given out grants to about 35 young professionals in ICT and the creative industries through the “YES” scheme, supported by heritage bank.
“We have also given out scholarships in the last three years to some students; one of them got her admission into the University of Surrey in the UK, fully sponsored by NYPF and she graduated with distinction”, he said.
He added that, they are working with some African leaders on how to champion advocacy for young professionals to take over the continent.
He said “Look at sports and the entertainment industry, as well as the small and medium enterprises, they are driven by young people. So, young people have a stake in Nigeria and that is why we supported the ‘Not Young to Run Initiative’ and it has now become a law.”
Siasia said the NYPF is also working toward taking over the political space in the country and will kick start the ambition with the 2019 general election.
Siasia said: “NYPF has produced 18 House of Reps and 72 State Houses of Assembly candidates in different political parties.
Akinyelu Victory Melody, an SS3 student of Baptist High School Jos, Plateau State who won the essay competition organised to mark the NYPF anniversary got a full scholarship while Ishaya Blessed Micah, The runner-up from an SS2 student from Minna got part scholarship.
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