Muslim women in Ogun State have mobilised and launched a platform aimed at tackling social vices through strengthening families, promoting unity and expanding community service.
The platform, the Egba Muslim Women Forum, inaugurated recently at its maiden summit in Abeokuta, the state capital, was created out of concern about the rising cases of drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, and erosion of family values.
The inauguration, under the theme, “Mothers, Unity and Community Service: Nurturing Strong Families, Building Vibrant Communities,” brought together religious leaders, professionals, politicians and women from various Muslim organisations.
In her address, the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the forum as a landmark initiative that would foster collaboration among Muslim women and strengthen their contributions to family and community development.
She urged women to embrace unity despite their different organisational affiliations, saying collective action would amplify advocacy on issues affecting women, children, education and social welfare.
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Salako-Oyedele expressed optimism that the initiative would grow beyond Egbaland and inspire similar platforms across Ogun State and other parts of Nigeria.
The keynote lecturer, a Deputy Director at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Mrs Ibrahim Rasheedah, called on Muslim women to set aside organisational differences and speak with one voice on issues affecting their communities.
The Muslim Women Leader (Iya Sunnah) of Egbaland, Mrs Yemi Kolapo, said the event represented more than the inauguration of an association, but a movement dedicated to empowering women, strengthening families and advancing community development.
She warned that increasing cases of drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, the negative influence of social media, and economic hardship were placing immense pressure on families, urging Muslim women to deliberately raise children with integrity, discipline, and strong moral values.
Humanitarian Activities
Kolapo stressed that the forum should remain non-partisan, encouraging women to participate actively in leadership, humanitarian activities, and community development.
She explained that the establishment of the Egba Muslim Women Forum forms part of efforts by faith-based organisations in Nigeria to complement government programmes through women empowerment, family support, and community development in response to mounting social and economic challenges.
