The CAN President, Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, conferred the award on Imam Abubakar at the “Sapphire CAN Day” Award of Excellence and Dinner organised to mark the 45th anniversary in Abuja.
The Imam saved over 200 people on June 24 when suspected herdsmen invaded 15 communities in the Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau killing over 200 people.
The United States Government in July 2019 honoured the 83-year-old Muslim cleric along with four religious leaders from Sudan, Iraq, Brazil and Cyprus, with the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award, which is given to advocates of religious freedom.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo urged Christian and Muslims Nigerian leaders to be advocates of freedom of worship, justice and the rule of law.
Prof. Osinbajo, who was also honoured at the event, delivered President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government’s felicitations to CAN on the celebration.
He said fairness, equity and respect for the rights of others are fundamental to peace and security, hence leaders at all levels must strive to promote those virtues despite the challenges.
2021-09-27