By AbdulQudus Abiola Ojomo
The Old Secretariat Mosque, GRA Ikeja, Lagos was a scene to behold when the National Youth Wing of the Nasrullah-l-Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) held a press conference to outline the activities for this year’s National Sisters’ Retreat.
The retreat themed “Beyond the Veil” is the first since the COVID-19 pandemic that would be held physically by the organisation.
Tagged #EKO2023, the retreat, which began with a press conference on Friday, August 25 is attracting no fewer than 200 participants from across the country.
Muslim News was there to witness the joyous moment as participants from states like Nasarawa, Ondo, Rivers and other states of the federation arrived Shamsi Adisa Thomas Mosque, popularly known as the Old Secretariat Mosque, GRA, Ikeja, the venue of the 3-day event.
Recall that NASFAT, a Nigerian Muslim prayer group with focus on youth, women and the elites, has branches all over the 36 states including the FCT, Abuja.
The chairperson of the National Sisters’ Retreat, Mrs Habibat Olakitan-Okegbami outlined series of events to be executed at the retreat, which runs through Sunday, August 27, saying , “These include; health talk, da’wah (calling to Allah), skill acquisition, counselling and mentorship, community service, games, among others.”
Some of the dignitaries expected to grace the event are Hon. Justice Aderera Adeyemi, Justice of Lagos; Hajiah Monsuroh Vincent, Director of Finance CBN; Barrister Hajiah Aminat Adams, Barrister Ruqoyah Owolabi and people from different walks of life, to take different talks.
Our retreat, a spiritual reawakening – Amirah
The National Youth Wing Ameerah of the Society, Hajia (Mrs) Kafayat Oyewo-Oyelere stated during her speech that “this year’s event is expected to re-awaken our sisters on the need to be spiritually, mentally and physically healthy, to work hard and strive to be better versions of themselves”
Hajiah Oyewo-Oyelere said, “This year’s event is aimed at encouraging the youths, especially the female Muslimaat to break all barriers, not relent, not be subjected to ridicule, stereotyped and to see that the hijab is an injunction from Allah.
“There will be an opportunity to network with the distinguished speakers expected at the event. Also, there will be counselling sessions to be handled by professional counsellors and wellness (such as Spa and Yoga) all comes at no extra cost except the Spa, which is just for a token”. All these are not common at similar programs, she added.
Speaking on the theme, she said “It was borne out of the need to break gender stereotypes to just being you. You have to soar higher, and at the end of this event, we hope to achieve what the Prophet (SAW) said “If YOU train a woman, you have trained a nation”.
Hajia Kifayat Adefowope, Ameerah, Lagos Zone 1, while stating her expectations said the retreat “is to safeguard the modesty and dignity of the Muslimah”
Also, the Ameerah of Lagos Zone 2, Hajia Abosede Sidiqah Fasasi, said, “It’s a loaded event right from the pre-camp activities which was held virtually and even those that are not here will see the impact of the programmes.”
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