Ibrahim Zanna Sunoma

Ibrahim Zanna Sunoma (16), from Nigeria, is using his voice to stand up for children’s rights. Born in Bama, Borno State, he grew up in a region deeply affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, where children have faced abduction, violence and the loss of access to education. Ibrahim chose to speak up.

He led advocacy efforts with ministries, agencies and the State House of Assembly, challenging the idea that child rights are a “foreign agenda”. Through radio appearances, he reached thousands of parents and helped shift public understanding. His work earned recognition across Borno State and led to his selection for the Borno State Children’s Parliament, an institution that had been inactive for years.

In 2024, Ibrahim founded Action with SCRAF, a child-led movement turning advocacy into action. Through the movement, he has trained more than 200 children in advocacy and leadership and created platforms for civic participation and policy awareness. His debates, campaigns and community initiatives are giving children the tools and space to speak up for their rights.