At just 21 years of age, Abubakar Mohammed Adan from Garissa County has achieved much more than his peers in the country who are within his age group.
Popularly known as “mheshimiwa” by locals from Garissa, Abubakar has shaped the lives of many even in his tender age. He is a youth and humanitarian activist with a passion to better the lives of his community members.
Abubakar, is currently the public relations officer at the Garissa Muslim Youth Organization (GMYO) - a CBO that operates in Garissa helping the less fortunate in the county.
Youth and humanitarian activist, Abubakar Mohammed Adan from Garissa County. [Source: Abubakar Mohammed]
In his humanitarian work, he has been organising events aimed at helping cancer patients and also fundraisers to offset medical bills for some of his community members.
“Deep in me, I take this as a call. It is the only way I give back to the society and I never get paid but I do it from the deepest part of my heart,” he told Hivisasa on phone Thursday when contacted.
His influence was first felt after he volunteered to help victims of the Zoobe bomb attack in Mogadishu, Somalia last year in October.
He rallied Garissa locals to donate blood and also launched a fundraiser to help the victims of the bomb attack.
“I am very passionate about education and I am involved in helping out at the Mama Rescue Centre, Garissa Children Home and Garissa special school for the deaf and special need,” he added.
Inspired by how youth leadership can transform the country, Abubakar holds motivational talks with Garissa youths often. His talk always starts by underscoring the need to shun tribalism and support each other.
“I see myself not just as a future leader for Muslims, but a leader for all Kenyans, therefore, it is important for every youth to understand that tribalism is an enemy of progress in our democracy and social life.”
His passion for leadership has seen him earn a place in the region’s politics. He represents the North Eastern region in the National Youth and Governance Council.
The youth activist who describes himself as a leader by birth visits the Garissa County Assembly often and listen to how MCAs from the county articulate issues affecting the county electorate.
This, he says, helps him understand how well they are doing their legislative job and the gaps that are in the county leadership, which he hopes to fill one day.
He has aspirations to vie for an elective seat in the county though he did not divulge more details about his political ambitions.
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