The Noimot Salako-Oyedele has called on Muslim women across Ogun State to take their rightful place in leadership and nation building, urging them to deepen their faith and remain active in shaping the future of the country.
She made the call while hosting various Muslim women organisations at her annual Ramadan Tafsir and lecture held at her residence in Abeokuta.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Governor described women as central to societal growth, noting that the yearly Tafsir had continued to serve as a platform for spiritual development, knowledge sharing and strengthening the bond of sisterhood among Muslim women in the state.
She said she was encouraged by testimonies from previous editions of the lecture, adding that the initiative was designed to address issues peculiar to women and inspire them to become better individuals, responsible citizens, supportive wives and nurturing mothers.
Speaking on the significance of Ramadan, she described the holy month as a period of deep reflection, spiritual renewal and fulfilment of one of the core pillars of Islam.
She urged the women not to underestimate their abilities, but to keep uplifting one another and take active interest in decision making processes, particularly as national elections approach.
In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Mariam Oloko, commended the Deputy Governor for her commitment to faith and service.
She described her as selfless and approachable, urging the women to emulate her piety and remain steadfast in the deen.
Representatives of various Muslim women groups who spoke at the event encouraged members to remain proactive in their personal and collective pursuits.
They prayed for continued strength and divine guidance for the Deputy Governor for sustaining the annual lecture and for consistently promoting the relevance of women in community and national development.
Delivering the sermon themed “Muslim Woman Journey in Modern Times,” Sheikh Nurein Rabiu, Imam of the Governor’s Office Secretariat Mosque, said the importance of women in Islam could not be overstated.
He noted that misconceptions about Islam relegating women stem from societal misinterpretations rather than religious teachings.
He explained that a complete Surah in the Holy Qur’an is dedicated to women, which he said reflects the high status accorded to them by Almighty Allah.
The cleric urged women to remain pious and upright, and advised those in positions of authority to lead with kindness, fairness and justice while maintaining respect for their spouses and commitment to their homes.
