The founder of the Abdulhafiz Umar Gusau (AUG) Foundation, Mallam Abdulhafiz Umar Barau, has received the African Democracy Humanitarian Icon of the Year award at the 15th edition of the Democracy Heroes Award Africa held in Abuja.

Barau, also known as Dan Isan Gusau and Magayakin Tsafe, received the award on Friday, October 9, at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel. The award was presented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aisha Abubakar.

The ceremony, organised by FDN Projects under the theme “Elevate,” brought together political leaders, public officials, business executives and other stakeholders from Nigeria and across Africa to recognise contributions to governance, public service, business and humanitarian development.

According to the organisers, Barau was honoured for his humanitarian activities and community development initiatives through the AUG Foundation, which supports vulnerable populations through programmes in education, youth empowerment, food distribution, healthcare assistance and grassroots development.

The foundation's interventions are aimed at improving livelihoods and extending support to disadvantaged individuals and communities.

Barau also has business interests spanning logistics, energy, real estate, agriculture and commodities, with experience in business development, operations and strategic partnerships.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal congratulated the foundation's founder on the recognition, urging him to sustain his humanitarian activities and continue supporting vulnerable people across Zamfara State and beyond.

Other recipients at the ceremony included Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas and other individuals recognised for their contributions to governance, business and public service.

The Project Director of FDN Projects, Olufunsho Ajagbonna, popularly known as Fajag, said the award platform was established to recognise individuals whose work contributes to public service and community development.

The 15th edition of the Democracy Heroes Award Africa highlighted the contributions of individuals and organisations to humanitarian service, governance and development across the continent.