Daud Olatunji
Muslim women across Egbaland have launched a coordinated campaign against drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, poverty and moral decadence, unveiling a comprehensive agenda to strengthen families, empower vulnerable women and promote community development.
The women, under the aegis of the Egba Muslim Women Forum (EMWOF), declared that the growing wave of social vices threatening homes and communities could only be tackled through unity, responsible parenting, economic empowerment and strategic engagement with government and traditional institutions.
The resolutions were reached on Sunday during the maiden summit of the forum held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with the theme, “Mothers, Unity and Community Service: Nurturing Strong Families, Building Vibrant Communities.”
The event attracted the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; traditional title holders, Islamic scholars, healthcare professionals and leaders of various Muslim women’s organisations across Egbaland.
Delivering the keynote address, the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland, Alhaja Dr. Lateefah Sowunmi-Kolapo, described the inauguration of the forum as “the birth of a movement” that would transform Muslim women’s contributions to family stability and community development.
She said the platform was conceived to unite Muslim women across organisational, political and professional divides in pursuit of common goals.
Sowunmi-Kolapo said, **”Today marks not just the launch of an association, but the birth of a movement dedicated to strengthening families, empowering women, serving communities and advancing the development of Egbaland.
“The Egba Muslim Women Forum must become a home for every Muslim woman, regardless of age, profession, political or organisational affiliation. When united, we can strengthen women, build stronger and more responsible families, safer communities and contribute meaningfully to a more prosperous Egbaland.”**
She warned that families were increasingly under pressure from drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, weakening family values, the negative influence of social media and economic hardship.
According to her, mothers remain the first and most important teachers of every child and must deliberately raise children with integrity, discipline and fear of Allah.
“Our homes face enormous challenges. As Muslim women, we must intentionally raise children who fear Allah, uphold integrity and contribute positively to society as ethical professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders,” she said.
The Islamic leader also urged Muslim women to become more active in community development and public service while maintaining the forum’s non-partisan identity.
She added, “Leadership is an Amanah, a sacred trust, and we must encourage capable Muslim women to serve in education, healthcare, public institutions and other sectors where they can make meaningful contributions to society.”
Speaking as chairperson of the summit, the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the gathering as a historic milestone capable of reshaping the role of Muslim women in Egbaland.
She praised the organisers for bringing together women from different Islamic organisations under one umbrella, saying unity would amplify their collective influence on issues affecting women, children and society.
“Every enduring movement starts with a vision. Today is indeed a historic day. I salute all the women who came together to put this summit together. May Allah accept it as an act of worship and make it a source of continuous blessings for generations to come,” she said.
Salako-Oyedele noted that diversity among Muslim women’s organisations should be embraced as a strength rather than a source of rivalry.
“It is true that we belong to different organisations and different circles of service. That is perfectly natural. But our challenge is ensuring that our diversity becomes a source of strength rather than division.
“Bringing the various women’s groups in Egbaland under a common umbrella does not diminish each individual identity; rather, it amplifies our collective voice. Together, we can speak more effectively on issues affecting women, children, education, family life and community development,” she stated.
She urged participants to ensure the summit produced practical outcomes rather than ending as another ceremonial gathering.
“Let this summit not be remembered simply as a successful event, but as the beginning of enduring partnerships and meaningful action,” the deputy governor added.
In her lecture, the Deputy Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Mrs. Rasheedah Abimbola Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of unity among Muslim women, urging them to put aside organisational differences in the interest of the Muslim community.
“We want to rise above organisational differences and embrace collective responsibility. Let us speak with one voice on matters affecting our community,” she said.
She also urged mothers to devote greater attention to raising morally upright children, remain conscious of Allah in all their dealings and uphold the observance of the five daily prayers.
At the end of the summit, participants issued a communiqué identifying mothers as the foundation of every nation’s moral and spiritual strength, insisting that meaningful societal transformation must begin from the home.
The communiqué, signed by Hajia Ambassador Maryam Olasunbo Ajala and Hajia Rahmat Remilekun Lawal on behalf of the Communiqué Rapporteur Committee, identified drug abuse, poverty, family instability and moral decay as pressing challenges requiring urgent collective action.
The forum announced plans to establish EMWOF as a unified platform to engage government, traditional rulers and educational institutions on issues affecting Muslim women and families.
It also resolved to launch structured economic empowerment programmes, including vocational training, financial literacy and business support for vulnerable women to reduce poverty and promote self-reliance.
Participants further approved the establishment of community-based counselling and mental health awareness programmes to address emotional and domestic challenges affecting families.
The communiqué also called on mothers to protect children from social vices by building homes founded on Islamic values, compassion and effective communication.
It reaffirmed mentoring young girls, supporting widows, caring for the sick and expanding community outreach programmes as acts of worship.
The forum urged Muslim women across Egbaland to put aside organisational differences and unite around their shared Islamic values to build stronger families, safer communities and a more prosperous society.
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