The Egba Muslim Women Forum (EMWOF) has held its inaugural summit in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Sunday with participants calling for stronger family values, greater unity among Muslim women and increased community service.
The summit, which was themed, “Mothers, Unity, and Community Service: Nurturing Strong Families, Building Vibrant Communities,” brought together religious leaders, professionals, politicians and women from different Muslim organisations across Egbaland.
Declaring the summit open, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the gathering as a historic event and commended the organisers for creating a platform that would foster collaboration among Muslim women.
“I want to congratulate every woman here for being part of a moment that I believe will be remembered as the beginning of something special. Today is indeed a historic day,” she said.
The deputy governor noted that every enduring movement begins with a vision and praised the women behind the initiative for their commitment and sacrifice.
“Today, I salute all the women who came together to put this summit together. May Allah accept it as an act of ibadah and make it a source of continuous blessings for generations to come,” she added.
Salako-Oyedele urged women to embrace unity despite their diverse affiliations, stressing that their differences should become a source of strength rather than division.
“There is a saying that if you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together. As women, we instinctively understand the strength that comes from supporting one another,” she said.
According to her, bringing various women’s groups together under one platform would amplify their collective voice and strengthen advocacy on issues affecting women, children, education, family life and community development.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would extend beyond Egbaland and become a model for other communities across the state.
“It is my hope that what begins here today will not remain an Egba initiative alone. I hope it becomes a model that Muslim women in other parts of the state will be inspired to replicate,” she said.
Also speaking at the summit, the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State and the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland Chief Mrs. Yemi Kolapo, described the inauguration of the forum as the birth of a movement aimed at empowering women and strengthening communities.
“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,” she said.
Kolapo commended the Egba Muslim titled chiefs and members of the organising committee for making the summit a reality and urged Muslim women to play more active roles in shaping society.
She emphasised the significance of motherhood, saying, “Motherhood is beyond giving birth,it is nurturing faith, discipline, honesty, compassion and excellence.”
Addressing the challenges confronting modern families, she identified drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, moral decadence, the negative influence of social media and economic hardship as issues requiring urgent attention.
“Today, 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.
Kolapo further stressed that the forum must remain non-partisan while encouraging Muslim women to participate actively in community development and leadership.
“As we inaugurate this forum, let it be remembered not for ceremonies alone, but for transforming lives, strengthening marriages, mentoring girls, supporting vulnerable families, producing ethical leaders and promoting Islamic values throughout Egbaland,” she added.
The guest lecturer, Mrs. Ibrahim Rasheedah, who serves as Deputy Director at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, also stated the importance of unity among Muslim women.
She urged members to set aside differences and work collectively for the progress of the 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.
