Leadership is often associated with age, experience and authority. However, Ibrahim Zanna Sunoma is part of a generation challenging that perception by showing that young people do not have to wait until adulthood to contribute meaningfully to society.

A Nigerian child-rights advocate and youth leader from Bama, Borno State, Ibrahim has built his advocacy around issues affecting children, particularly education, child protection, peacebuilding and the rights of those growing up in conflict-affected communities.

His interest in advocacy is closely connected to the realities of his environment. Growing up in a region affected by insurgency and displacement exposed him to the challenges many children face in accessing education, safety and basic opportunities. Rather than remaining silent about these challenges, he chose to use his voice to demand attention and action.

His journey has seen him serve as Speaker of the Borno State Children's Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the National Children's Parliament, positions through which he represented children's interests and engaged with policymakers. One of the notable aspects of his advocacy was his involvement in the campaign for the Borno State Child Rights Law, which was passed in 2022. His participation in the process demonstrated the importance of allowing children to contribute to decisions concerning their welfare.

Beyond Nigeria, Ibrahim has taken his advocacy to international platforms. In 2022, he represented African children affected by armed conflict at the Conference on Children and Armed Conflict in Nairobi, Kenya. He has also participated in engagements around the African Union's peace and security discussions, advocating for children's protection and inclusion in peacebuilding.

His work has extended to the global conversation on education and security. At the Fourth Safe Schools Declaration Conference, he highlighted the experiences of children whose education has been disrupted by insecurity, reinforcing the need to make schools safe for every child.

In 2024, he founded the Sunoma Child Rights Advocacy Foundation (SCRAF), an initiative focused on promoting children's rights, education, leadership and participation. Through the foundation, he has worked to equip children with advocacy and leadership skills while supporting initiatives that address challenges faced by vulnerable children.

Ibrahim is also a TEDx speaker. At TEDxBauchi 2024, he delivered a talk titled "Why Are We Losing the Leaders of Tomorrow?", drawing attention to the importance of recognising children's potential and creating opportunities for them to participate in shaping society. He has also been associated with Save the Children's Generation Hope campaign as a Global Campaign Adviser, contributing to conversations around climate change and inequality.

His contributions have received international recognition, including his nomination for the 2026 KidsRights International Children's Peace Prize, which recognises young people making significant contributions to children's rights and social change.

What makes Ibrahim's journey particularly remarkable is the consistency of his message: children should not simply be spoken for; they should also be given the opportunity to speak for themselves.

Through public speaking, policy engagement, community advocacy and his foundation, he continues to challenge the idea that young people must wait until tomorrow to make a difference.

For TalkAfrica NG's Young & Bold, Ibrahim Zanna Sunoma represents a generation determined to be part of the solutions to the challenges affecting their communities. His journey is a reminder that meaningful leadership is not determined solely by age, but also by the willingness to take responsibility, speak up and create opportunities for others.