society
Obasa Urges Protection for Muslim Women as Pillars of Societal Reform
*Obasa Urges Protection for Muslim Women as Pillars of Societal Reform
Considering the influence of Western civilisation on Islamic culture and practices, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has advocated for more support and protection for Muslim women because of their critical roles in shaping society.
Speaking at the 16th Hijrah Lecture of the House of Assembly held Wednesday at the Assembly Pavillion with theme: “The Muslim Women and Societal Reformation: Balancing Between Islamic Culture and Western Civilization,” Obasa said that in balancing the complexities of the rich Islamic culture, traditions, and practices with the influences of Western civilization, “It is essential to recognise that both can co-exist harmoniously without losing our Islamic identity and values. It is the compromise of these values that has led to disruptions in many homes where children are growing up with perverted values.” He added that “Without good mothers, humanity is doomed.”
Conversely, Speaker Obasa declared that women in Islam are highly revered for their invaluable and influential roles in society, which go beyond mere child-bearing and raising, nurturing, and moulding children to live worthy and successful lives.
“Figures like Ilhan Omar, a U.S. Congresswoman, and Malala Yousafzai, a global advocate for education, exemplify how Muslim women blend their Islamic identity with contributions to global society. They challenge the notion that faith and modernity are mutually exclusive while demonstrating that one can uphold Islamic values while championing universal human rights,” he said.
Drawing a parallel between socio-economic pressures and cultural disconnection that have pushed some women to engage in social vices like prostitution, drug-peddling, and abuse, Obasa said that women are not solely responsible for the current moral challenges being experienced but they have a profound and irreplaceable role in reversing them.
According to the Speaker, “The history of Islam has a noble place for women where they played remarkable roles in the success of the Islamic state,” he said, adding, “The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in one of his hadiths said that paradise lies beneath the feet of the mother.”
He further quoted the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as saying, “If the society is good, we should look at the women, it is good because the women are good. But if society is bad, then we should also look at the women.”
In safeguarding and strengthening women’s and children’s rights, the Speaker referenced several laws enacted by the House of Assembly against domestic and sexual violence including the establishment of sexual violence response desks in all local government areas, the domestication of the Child Rights Act, and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law (PADVL) 2007, which made Lagos the first state in Nigeria to pass a domestic violence–specific law that provides for protection orders (restraining orders) for victims of domestic violence.
“These laws aren’t mere paperwork — they are shields for our wives, daughters, and children,” Obasa stated, adding, “We must enforce them and ensure that women are empowered to carry out their roles in family and society.”
Like Speaker Obasa, the guest lecturer, Prof. (Mrs.) Jameelah Yaqub, a Professor of Economics at the Lagos State University, decried the increasing cases of prostitution and drug addiction among young women, saying that society is paying a premium for the pervasive decadence. She also spoke extensively on the role of women in nation-building through proper parenting and moral upbringing because “When you train a woman, you train a nation.”
Also, she went on, “Women are reformation agents, and they should start from home. In the past, muslim women were responsible and concerned about taking care of their families. With civilisation, however, things changed, and taking care of the family is no longer pivotal.” Prof. Yaqub implored muslim women to see the home as their primary responsibility, know what is happening to their children, and take time off to take care of the family.
The second lecturer, Prof Abdulrahman Alaro, mni, urged muslim women not to get carried away or prioritise earthly gains for their eternal reward but to focus on legacy and values.
In his welcome address, the chairman of the occasion, Hon Nureni Akinsanya, noted, “In this era of globalization, Muslim women face numerous challenges as they navigate the complexities of modern society.
“They are, however, expected to uphold the values of their faith while contributing to the development of their various communities. This lecture aims to explore the role of Muslim women in societal reformation, highlighting the importance of balancing Islamic culture with the influences of Western civilization.
“Our goal is to empower Muslim women to become agents of positive change in their communities, leveraging their unique strengths and abilities to promote a more just and compassionate society,” he stated.
The event was graced by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; some members of the Governing Advisory Council (GAC); members of the State Assembly; Lagos State White Cap Chiefs, representing Ọba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu as well as leading Islamic and traditional leaders.
Africa International Christian Film Festival (AICFF) Announces Debut Dates in Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria — January 27, 2026
The Africa International Christian Film Festival (AICFF) has officially announced June 3–6, 2026 as the dates for its maiden edition, scheduled to hold in Abuja, Nigeria.
AICFF, a continental platform dedicated to amplifying Christian films from Africa and around the world, while strengthening production quality, professional training, distribution, and market access for faith-based content within Africa will shapen a new narrative in Christian based films.
The festival will feature: Film screenings from Africa and the global Christian film community;
Panel discussions and industry conversations;
Professional workshops and trainings;
A Christian Film Market connecting filmmakers with distributors, broadcasters, and platforms.
Speaking on the vision behind AICFF, the Festival Convener, Ambassador Bright Wonder Obasi, noted that the festival was created to serve as a gateway for global Christian films into Africa and a launchpad for African stories to reach the world.
AICFF also invites Christian filmmakers from Africa and across the world to submit feature films, documentaries, short films, animations, and faith-inspired content that reflect biblical values, excellence in storytelling, and cultural relevance.
Obasi also assured participants that the selected films will be showcased to:
International festival partners;
Broadcasters and Christian media networks;
Distributors and streaming platforms;
Industry leaders and faith-based institutions.
With Africa’s rapidly growing Christian population and creative economy, AICFF aims to position the continent as a recognized global hub for Christian cinema.
Submissions are now open via www.filmfreeway.com/AICFFA. With the deadline set for March 31, 2026.
For More on AICFF, contact Bright Wonder Obasi
Africa International Christian Film Festival (AICFF) |[email protected]
www.gosplecinemaint.com/AICFF
Oyo @ 50: Ajadi Felicitates Govt, People, Backs Omituntun 3.0 for Sustainable Development
…Says continuity key to preserving Makinde’s legacy of peace, infrastructure growth
A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and leading governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated the Oyo State Government and the people of the state on the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo State, describing the milestone as a testament to resilience, unity, and progressive governance.
The Golden Jubilee celebration, which kicked off on Monday with an opening ceremony at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, is part of a week-long programme themed “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present, and Reimagining the Future.” The anniversary activities began on January 26 and will climax on February 3 with a grand gala night at the Government House, Agodi, where all 17 former governors of the state are expected to be honoured.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Ajadi, an Ibadan indigene, commended the people of Oyo State for maintaining peaceful coexistence over the last five decades, noting that the state has continued to record remarkable progress in governance and infrastructure development.
He described the past 50 years as a source of pride, adding that Oyo State has witnessed unprecedented development, particularly under the current administration.
Ajadi specifically lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as significant improvements in infrastructure, especially in the area of road construction and urban traffic management across the state.
According to him, the successes recorded in traffic regulation and urban mobility in Ibadan were the result of deliberate planning and implementation under Omituntun 1.0 and Omituntun 2.0, citing the construction of modern bus terminals at Iwo Road, Challenge, and Ojoo as notable examples.
He also praised the governor for the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road Project, which he said would, upon completion, attract massive economic activities and stimulate development across the state.
While congratulating the people on the Golden Jubilee, Ajadi called for sustained support for the current development trajectory, stressing that the state must not deviate from well-structured and people-oriented programmes already in place.
“As we celebrate the Golden Anniversary of our dear state, it is important for our people to understand that we cannot afford to abandon the sound policies and development agenda of the present administration,” he said.
Ajadi further declared his commitment to building on the achievements of Governor Makinde through what he described as Omituntun 3.0, should he be given the mandate.
“I, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, am fully determined to sustain and expand the good works of our amiable governor through Omituntun 3.0,” he stated.
He urged residents to embrace continuity ahead of the next general elections, warning against any deviation that could threaten the prevailing peace and steady development in the state.
Ajadi also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers across the state for their support and cooperation with the government, noting that their role remains vital to peace and grassroots development.
He expressed confidence that with the emergence of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), the Olubadan of Ibadanland, as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, peace and development would continue to thrive in the state.
He concluded by congratulating the government and people of Oyo State on the historic milestone, describing Oyo as the Pace Setter State with a promising future.
society
As Nigeria Struggles Under Mounting Hardship… Poet Kunle Ologundudu Hammers On The Ethos Of Progressive Governance
*As Nigeria Struggles Under Mounting Hardship… Poet Kunle Ologundudu Hammers On The Ethos Of Progressive Governance
The history of progressive politics in Yorubaland is deeply rooted in leaders who governed with conscience, clarity and commitment to the people. From Chief Obafemi Awolowo to Lateef Jakande, Bola Ige, Adekunle Ajasin, Bisi Onabanjo and Abraham Adesanya, the Afenifere tradition stood for free education, social welfare, fiscal discipline and moral leadership. These leaders built legacies anchored on human development and regional pride. Today, however, many observers argue that this heritage is being steadily erased under the present federal administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Yoruba leaders increasingly sidelined and their historical contributions treated as expendable.
Under the current government, excess spending on projects many Nigerians describe as unreal and disconnected from everyday suffering has become a recurring concern. While billions are committed to luxury governance and political maintenance, ordinary citizens grapple with hunger, collapsing healthcare and rising unemployment. Hospitals are understaffed as doctors leave the country daily in search of dignity and survival abroad. The mass exodus of medical professionals is not just a statistic but a national emergency, reflecting a system that has failed to prioritise welfare, planning and human capital development. For many in the South West, it feels as though the progressive values once championed by Afenifere leaders no longer matter in the calculations of power.
Against this backdrop, the record of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as a subnational leader offers a striking contrast. His governance philosophy was rooted in proximity to the people and practical intervention. Beyond policy statements, his administration directly impacted lives at the grassroots. Through the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, popularly known as OYES, thousands of young people were productively engaged, given stipends, work experience and dignity. Local traders, artisans and families benefited from social programmes that circulated income within communities rather than concentrating wealth at the top.
Aregbesola’s social investment approach extended to education, school feeding and community based economic stimulation. Children were kept in school, local farmers found markets for their produce and small scale vendors earned sustainable livelihoods. These interventions were not abstract theories but lived realities for citizens who felt seen and supported by government. His model demonstrated that leadership could be firm yet humane, disciplined yet compassionate, and visionary without being disconnected from the streets.
What makes the current moment troubling is not merely economic hardship but the apparent disregard for the collective memory and moral compass of Yoruba political history. The legacies of Awolowo, Jakande, Ige, Ajasin, Onabanjo and Adesanya were built on sacrifice and service, yet many feel that the present administration has shown little regard for these foundations. Yoruba leaders who once shaped national discourse now appear marginalised, while policies that deepen inequality replace those that once reduced it.
As Nigeria struggles under mounting hardship, there is an urgent need for course correction. The present administration would benefit from adopting some of Aregbesola’s people focused policies at the national level to soften the economic pain across the country. More importantly, genuine consultation with Rauf Aregbesola could help reconnect governance with the progressive ideals of Afenifere and prevent the total erosion of their legacies. Leadership that ignores its roots risks losing its soul, and Nigeria can ill afford that loss at this critical moment.
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