The AMANI Muslim Women Empowerment Initiative has held its first Ramadan lecture in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, calling for stronger collaboration with government institutions and well-meaning individuals to advance women’s empowerment and social development.
The Ramadan programme, which coincided with the celebration of International Women’s Day, took place on Saturday at the Conference Hall of the National Mosque, Abuja, under the theme “Season of Mercy, Resilience and Collective Support.”
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of AMANI, Hadrat Omipidan, underscored the significance of gatherings such as the AMANI Ramadan lecture, saying it strengthens unity among the Muslim Ummah and deepens devotion to Allah.
She noted that such platforms foster solidarity and shared responsibility within the community.
The AMANI Coordinator added that the season offers believers a renewed opportunity to strengthen their faith, demonstrate compassion toward others, and recommit to acts of charity and service.
She commended the vision of the founding members of the AMANI initiative for establishing a platform dedicated to building the capacity of women and supporting their active participation in societal development.
“As mothers and builders of society, women occupy a unique and critical position in nurturing values and promoting the ideals of the holy month of Ramadan,” she said.
The AMANI Coordinator urged government agencies and institutions to include the organisation in empowerment programmes, noting that partnerships would strengthen support for vulnerable groups. She also called on philanthropists to support structured organisations like AMANI, stressing the importance of collective action in addressing community needs.
Omipidan encouraged participants to embrace the spirit of giving during Ramadan and after, reminding them that acts of charity not only uplift beneficiaries but also bring spiritual reward to the giver.
The Chairman of the occasion and real estate entrepreneur, AbdulAkeem Bello, in his remarks, called on Nigerians to rally support for the AMANI Muslim Women Empowerment Initiative, commending the organisation for its contributions to community development and moral guidance.
Bello urged government institutions, philanthropists, and well-meaning individuals to support the group’s programmes, while praising the organisation for remaining a moral voice in the community and for its commitment to raising children in the fear of Almighty Allah.
He said initiatives such as AMANI play a vital role in strengthening family values and promoting ethical upbringing among younger generations.
Dr. Nana Khadijah, who led the conversation on the theme of the lecture, described Ramadan as a comprehensive spiritual programme instituted by Allah (S.W.T), designed to guide Muslims through a disciplined path of faith, reflection, and moral refinement.
Engaging participants on the core values of Ramadan, Dr. Khadijah emphasised virtues such as patience, discipline, and perseverance, describing them as essential attributes cultivated through fasting and devotion.
She explained that the observance of Ramadan reinforces the foundational pillars of Islam, highlighting Iman (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), fasting during Ramadan, and Hajj, which she described as complementary mechanisms that sustain a believer’s proximity to Almighty Allah.
“Ramadan is a gift programming that offers Muslim ummah a choice of unyielding resilience and collective support”
The first Ramadan lecture by AMANI Women Empowerment Initiative was well attended by Ansarudeen Women Muslim group, Al-Hikmah Da’wah, Orozo, alongside several other Muslim women’s organisations.
The programme was funded through Zakat contributions from members of the AMANI Initiative, reflecting the group’s commitment to collective responsibility and support for vulnerable members of the community.
Highlights of the event included an award and empowerment session, where several beneficiaries received financial support to strengthen their livelihoods.