The wife of Nigeria’s Vice President, Nana Kashim Shettima, has called on citizens to embrace responsible and just leadership in all aspects of life, stressing that national transformation begins at the family level.
She made the call at the 19th Annual National Conference of Women in Da’wah held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
Represented by Barrister Abdulsalam Mohammed, Special Assistant on Administration to the wife of the Vice President, Shettima highlighted the critical role of women in national development and the need for ethical leadership.
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She reminded Muslim women that the transformation of society starts within the home, describing women as “Al-Madrasatul Ula (the first school)” responsible for nurturing future leaders.
She noted that values such as integrity, compassion and empathy instilled in children would shape the character of tomorrow’s leaders.
“Responsible leadership does not start in government offices; it begins at home and in the heart of every mother, wife and sister,” Mrs Shettima said, citing the teachings of Prophet Muhammad that a woman is a shepherd responsible for her household.
She highlighted the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to promote economic stability and improve national security through the Renewed Hope Agenda. She also commended the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for empowering women across the country.
The wife of Nigeria’s Vice President challenged women engaged in Da’wah activities to contribute to building the nation’s moral and spiritual foundations and to help address social challenges such as drug abuse and domestic violence.
She urged participants to return to their communities as advocates of peace, protectors of vulnerable groups and mentors to young people.
Speaking at the event, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule commended the organisers for selecting a timely and relevant theme, noting that investment in the education and empowerment of women directly contributes to national stability and prosperity.
“Justice remains the bedrock of peace, unity and sustainable development. When trust and accountability are upheld, societies flourish. When they are neglected, confidence in institutions erodes and development suffers,” Governor Sule said.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and good governance. He urged citizens to support leadership efforts by obeying lawful authority, rejecting corruption and actively contributing to national development.
Governor Sule added that the message of goodness promoted by the conference should resonate beyond religious boundaries and benefit both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Providing a scholarly perspective, Professor Muhammad Tanko Baitullah delivered a lecture on the importance of leadership, describing it as a sacred trust that carries significant responsibility.
He emphasised that accountability applies to all individuals, noting that political leaders, fathers and housewives would all be held accountable for their stewardship.
Professor Baitullah identified piety, courage, simplicity, compassion, humility, selflessness and people-centred service as essential qualities of effective leadership.
He concluded by stressing that meaningful national transformation must begin with personal reform and a commitment to ethical conduct by both leaders and citizens.
