By Peter Onyekachukwu By Peter Onyekachukeu, Warri
A traditional title holder in the Zazzau Emirate, Professor Maryam Aliyu Abdullahi, popularly known as the Jagaban Matan Zazzau, has been honoured with the prestigious Commonwealth Society Award for Peace in recognition of her contributions to peacebuilding, humanitarian service, and women empowerment in Nigeria.
Though initially scheduled to receive the award alongside 14 others at the National Merit House in Abuja, the presentation was later held in Zaria due to her absence from the Abuja event as she was on a lesser Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Speaking during the presentation in Zaria, Comrade Umar Adamu Sarkin Fada, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FRCN Chapel, who represented the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Society of Nigeria, Prince Musa Abubakar Abutu, praised Prof. Abdullahi’s unwavering commitment to social good.
“By this recognition, you have become a Commonwealth Society Ambassador of Peace,” Comrade Sarkin Fada announced. “This award comes with an identity card that grants you access to certain privileges in all Commonwealth countries you visit.”
He explained that the Commonwealth Society of Nigeria seeks to motivate Nigerians making impact in various fields while upholding the core values of the Commonwealth—especially in areas like health, climate action, peace, and education.
“The society partners with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Foundation in London to identify individuals who go above and beyond in service to humanity. Prof. Abdullahi is one of such,” he added.
Accepting the award, Prof. Abdullahi expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a morale booster that would spur her to do even more in the areas of philanthropy and support for vulnerable groups.
“This award is a great honour, and it has renewed my zeal to continue touching lives. I am particularly passionate about supporting women, orphans, and the less privileged,” she said. “I call on fellow Nigerians to rise and support government efforts in fighting poverty through service to humanity.”
Her emergence as a Commonwealth Peace Ambassador is being hailed as a major inspiration, particularly for women leaders in traditional institutions, showcasing the critical role of grassroots empowerment in building a more inclusive and compassionate society.