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Obasa Urges Protection for Muslim Women as Pillars of Societal Reform

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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.

Obasa Urges Protection for Muslim Women as Pillars of Societal Reform

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.

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Police Track Down Suspect In Viral Defamation Case, Reaffirm Commitment To Justice

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Police Track Down Suspect In Viral Defamation Case, Reaffirm Commitment To Justice

The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a suspect linked to a viral social media video containing serious and unsubstantiated allegations against transport union leader, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya.

The arrest followed a formal petition submitted by Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, who called for a discreet and thorough investigation into what he described as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation. The petition was prompted by a Facebook video circulated by one Jamiu Akinsanya, also known as Siyan, a factional member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). In the video, the suspect falsely alleged that MC Oluomo was involved in the murder of a pregnant woman in the Oshodi area of Lagos.

Acting swiftly, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Federal Intelligence Department (FID) directed an immediate investigation. Operatives of the FID Intelligence Response Team (IRT), led by CSP Kasumu Rilwan, commenced a coordinated manhunt, which culminated in the suspect’s arrest in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos State.

Police sources disclosed that upon his arrest, the suspect admitted that the allegations contained in the viral video were entirely fabricated. He reportedly expressed remorse and appealed for leniency during interrogation.

Subsequently, the FID/IRT Legal Officer, A.O. Fadipe, obtained a remand order from the Igbosere Magistrate Court to enable further investigation and facilitate the arrest of any other individuals connected to the case.

The suspect has since been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

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React To Your Donation Rumour Of SUV Car Meant For Monarchs To Individual, Group Tells Ogun Women Affairs Commissioner

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React To Your Donation Rumour Of SUV Car Meant For Monarchs To Individual, Group Tells Ogun Women Affairs Commissioner

 

In what it described as rumour, a concerned group under the aegis of ‘The Good People of Agbado Community’ has called on the Ogun state Commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Hon. Adijat Motunrayo-Adeleye to react to the alleged SUV car meant for traditional rulers, been donated to one Mr. Oladayo Shyllon in the community.

The group, in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman, Elder’s Council of the group, Amodu Theophilus Olayiwola JP tittled ‘SUV Allocation to Mr Oladayo Shyllon (An Error Awaiting Correction) described the development as imposition of the said person, who has been removed as an Oba by a court of competent jurisdiction, to deprive the respected obas of their rights.

You will recall that, on the 9th of April, the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun distributed 40 SUV Cars to ogun monarchs to enhance their mobility in a show of appreciation of support given to his administration.

It recalled that, It is on record that Mr. Shyllon filed an appeal which is still pending in the court of appeal Ibadan Suit No. CA/IB/75/2000, noting that, the last Ogun State chieftaincy law recognized only Olu of Agbado, and Alagbado of Agbado is not known to Agbado people and not recognized by government gazette.

The group however, threaten to work against the commissioner in her interest to contest for House of Representatives for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal constituency.

“It is my believe that Ogun state is not an animal kingdom where people just act out their personal desire with disregard for the rule of law and the judicial system, Olayiwola stated”.

“It is important you make categorical and clear statement to the people so we do not begin to see you as an enemy of the people and equitable justice”, he added.

“We know our vote is our power, if you don’t respond to this damaging allegation, we shall surely mobilize against you as the race to 2027 heats up”, he threatened.

Reacting to the development, the commissioner denied and distanced herself from the allegation, and challenged the group to do their findings and act on any outcome, pointing out that, she is not the state governor the at distributed cars to buy he monarchs.

According to her “I’m not Ogun state government, and if they have any issue, they should direct it to the government. They are just shallow minded. I didn’t donate any car to anyone, they should go and get their fact right, because i don’t know what they are talking about

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A GOVERNOR AMONG THE PEOPLE: HOW MOHAMMED UMARU BAGO IS REDEFINING POWER, UNITY, AND GRASSROOTS GOVERNANCE IN NIGER STATE

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A GOVERNOR AMONG THE PEOPLE: HOW MOHAMMED UMARU BAGO IS REDEFINING POWER, UNITY, AND GRASSROOTS GOVERNANCE IN NIGER STATE

 

 

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is steadily rewriting the playbook of leadership in Niger State, anchoring governance not in distance or elitism, but in proximity, inclusion, and direct engagement with the people.

His administration has reinvigorated traditional institutions by consistently engaging emirates and royal fathers as active partners in governance. Beyond symbolism, these engagements reflect a participatory model rooted in cultural legitimacy and community trust.

Security remains central to his agenda. Regular high-level meetings—bringing together security agencies, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders—serve as operational platforms for coordination and response. Backed by funding and follow-through, this collaborative approach underscores his belief that unity is essential to achieving lasting peace.

In a politically and socially diverse state, Governor Bago has projected a bridge-building leadership style. He has repeatedly emphasized that religion must not be exploited as a tool for division or an excuse for failure. By maintaining visible engagement with both Muslim and Christian communities, his administration promotes inclusion and mutual respect.

His grassroots approach to governance is one of his defining traits. Within a relatively short period, he has visited all 25 Local Government Areas—more than once—taking governance directly to communities. These visits go beyond routine inspections; they involve listening, resolving immediate concerns, and maintaining a physical presence. From crossing rivers by ferry to reach remote areas like Agwara to spending extended time in rural communities, he has narrowed the gap between leadership and citizens.

Politically, he has prioritized cohesion over factionalism. His engagement spans national figures to ward-level stakeholders, reflecting an inclusive style. His support for women in governance is evident in the emergence of female vice chairpersons across the 25 LGAs, while his outreach to past and present leaders signals continuity and respect for institutional memory. His appointments, often extending beyond close allies, reinforce a broader message of collective ownership of governance within the All Progressives Congress.

Beyond policy, Governor Bago’s leadership carries a personal dimension. He is widely noted for acts of compassion—supporting families in times of need, assisting with medical and educational challenges, and offering help without publicity. These gestures, though often undocumented, have strengthened his connection with the people.

Today, on both national and international platforms, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is increasingly recognized for his emphasis on accessibility, performance, and peacebuilding. His approach reinforces a simple but powerful idea: leadership should connect, not isolate.

In a country where citizens continue to demand responsive governance, his model offers a perspective worth noting—one that places engagement, service, and unity at the center of public leadership.

 

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