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I Represent Women Who Aspire for Leadership and Power -Female Islamic Scholar, Alhaja Kafilat Kaola
I Represent Women Who Aspire for Leadership and Power
–Female Islamic Scholar, Alhaja Kafilat Kaola
Despite the challenges she faces regularly as a female custodian of Islamic knowledge, empowering voices of women in Islamic and social activities, Alhaja Kafilat Rufai a.k.a. Kaola has continued to play vital roles in advancing the Muslim community in Nigeria. The Ibadan, Oyo State born religious leader, who encourages women to take up their assigned roles in the male-dominated society, is not only a great scholar, but is also a charitable woman. This strong, resilient and intelligent woman who had authority in a number of areas, speaks in this interview about her mission and vision for Islam, as well as secrets around her life. Enjoy…
Tell us the secret behind the popularity of your name, Kaola.
Our elders say, the bigger the head the bigger the challenge. In meaning, the more the wealth the more the responsibilities. On that note, I would give glory to God almighty for standing by me always. He has never for once disappointed me because I have always walked in His path.
How do you feel when people talk about you or mention you in controversial issues?
It does not move me. My system has been immune to controversies since I was a teenager. My father had warned me of the challenges I would encounter in the future because I was destined to be a great person in life. He said I would face challenges but no matter how demanding the challenges are, he said I would be undefeated. So, I naturally am not bothered by the noise about me because they have been predicted.
How do you deal with controversy when they happen?
I take the noises with calmness. And I have noticed that when the noises are happening, Allah blesses me the most. I begin to attract more wealth, it brings me more honour, and peace of the mind. You can call it a blessing in disguise.
Many people see Alhaja Kaola in different lights. Tell us about yourself.
I give all thanks to Allah. I am Alhaja Kafilat Kaola, a young woman who was born at Imodapomola compound in Oke Are, Ibadan, Oyo State. I am from a core Muslim family, Illiyasu Bodija. I was born of past generations of Muslim scholars who practiced Islam and adhered to its fundamental beliefs and practices. Never at a time did my forebears practiced any other faith than Islam. My ancestral origin was Senegal. My ancestors were Muslims who migrated from Senegal to the old Oyo. From Oyo, they moved to Iseyin. From Iseyin, the Ibadan natives specifically invited them to settle down with Islam. My biological father was the late Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulkareem Ahmad Rufai. So, I was born a Muslim. I did not jump into it. I take pride in my noble background.
Will it be right to say that your ancestors introduced Islam to Ibadan or Yorubaland?
When talking about great Muslim scholars in Nigeria, my family would be mentioned. My grandfather, Sheikh Ahmad Rufai, was the first Mufty in Nigeria, who was authorized to interpret Islamic laws. He was honoured with the title in Egypt based on the endorsement by top Islamic scholars from northern Nigeria.
How should you be addressed? Are you also an Alfa, just as male scholars are known?
Yes, I should be addressed as Alfa because I am an Alfa. There’s nothing a man can do that a woman cannot do. If you have been following me, you would have realized that I do almost everything that a man does. And men give me recognition for it. Alhamdulillah.
In Islam, women are not supposed to do certain things like men…
Cuts in… In Islam, women are not considered inferior to men. Islam treats women equally. The holy book, Al-Qur’an, says men and women have similar rights. Although, men are placed in a vantage point. Besides, in the field I’m in, many of my fellow women do not have the opportunity to be there. Women are just coming up actively to advocate for their rights in a society where men hold greater power and influence. I want to appreciate Allah for the opportunity given me to represent fellow women who are aspiring to take their rightful place in the society and enjoy the same privilege I’m enjoying.
Would you like to share with us a personal challenge that bothers you, if any?
The only challenge that I nurse which is personal is my marital life. It has not been without issues. As a believer of Allah, I am overly trusting in people and I consider this as my greatest weakness. The men I trusted with love often became a curse to my life. Loving men has always led to disappointment and even harm for me. But I take solace in the fact that God does not grant man everything in life. He does as He wishes.
Tell us about the preparations for this year’s Hajj travel.
We are 100 percent ready for the 2025 hajj. All the necessary travel documents of our pilgrims are ready. We are using three airlines for the trip this year. We have Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenyan Airlines. My pilgrims, including me, are flying from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on the same day, by the special grace of God. And with all the packages, which include flight ticket, accommodation, transportation, and even additional services like meals or guidance, I, Alhaja Kafilat, collected N8.8 million, which is the same price collected by the state government for this year’s hajj. For a private company like ours, this year’s pilgrims are supposed to pay N14 million.
What are the unusual challenges that you encounter coordinating a hajj trip every year?
Since close to two decades that the Almighty Allah has set up Kaolat Al-Imam Travels and Tours Limited, we have not had any challenges too overwhelming to overcome. We have passed a stage where people who patronize us would have complaints over travel documents. People come to us from all over Nigeria, France and other places. Sometimes, we would beg people who sent us money to identify themselves. I’m happy to tell you that some people have even deposited money for the 2026 year’s hajj because we have had our complete numbers of pilgrims for this year. Although, it has not been all smooth; my personality and businesses have been attacked on several occasions but Allah has been faithful to us. I do not take that for granted.
POCACOV Intensifies Sensitization on Cultism, Bullying, and Social Vices Among Students in Edo
In commemoration of the 2026 National Police Day Celebration, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Edo State Command, has reinforced its preventive policing efforts through a targeted sensitization outreach at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City.
The initiative forms part of the broader activities marking this year’s National Police Day, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust,” which emphasizes collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the public in fostering a safer society.
The sensitization programme witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, and the Edo State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Kingsley Upeh. The team engaged students in an insightful and impactful session focused on the dangers of cultism, bullying, and other social vices prevalent among youths.
During the session, students were educated on the severe and far-reaching consequences of cult-related activities. These include violence, loss of lives, disruption of academic pursuits, and long-term damage to personal reputation and future opportunities. The speakers also highlighted how peer pressure, drug abuse, and negative social influences often serve as gateways into criminal behavior.
In an interactive segment, the Commissioner of Police stressed the legal implications of engaging in criminal acts, noting that involvement in cultism and related offences could lead to arrest, prosecution, and lifelong consequences that may hinder personal growth and career aspirations.
The issue of bullying was also extensively addressed, with emphasis on both its legal ramifications and psychological impact on victims. Students were encouraged to speak up against bullying, report incidents to school authorities or law enforcement, and support peers who may be affected.
Furthermore, the outreach underscored the importance of self-discipline, moral values, and making informed life choices. Students were urged to become ambassadors of peace within their schools and communities by rejecting violence and promoting unity and mutual respect.
The POCACOV team reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with young people through awareness campaigns, community outreach, and strategic partnerships aimed at preventing crime before it occurs. The initiative aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive approach to policing, which prioritizes education, prevention, and community involvement.
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.
Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.
Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.
Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool
In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.
Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.
Proactive Security Operations Underway
Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.
Call for National Unity
The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.
“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.
The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.
IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.
As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.
Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.
Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
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