By Abdul-Mumin Abdul-Quadir
* As Al-Mu’minaat hosts annual seminar, graduates 20 in vocational skills
Women entrepreneurs have been encouraged to invest in their husbands’ businesses and begin strategic retirement planning early to secure their financial future.
Pension expert, Engr. Ahmad Iklil, gave this advice during the annual Entrepreneur Seminar organised by Al-Muminaat (The Believing Women Organisation), Lagos State Chapter, held on Sunday, 28th September, 2025, at Nawair-Ud-Deen Central Mosque, Oshodi.
Muslim News reports that the event also featured the graduation of 20 participants trained in four vocational skills across four LGAs in the state, with certificates presented to the successful trainees.
The HOD, ICT department, Oak Pension Limited, Engr. Iklil stressed the importance of early retirement planning for Muslim women, especially those striving to please their spouses and Creator, Allah.
He explained that retirement should be approached in two phases — preparation and transition — noting that entrepreneurs must not neglect pension planning.
“As an entrepreneur, having a retirement or pension account is non-negotiable. Open one and clearly state your interest for the funds to be used only in halal investments,” he said.
He advised women aged 40–55 to acquire new skills and prioritise their health by registering with a credible Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) for quality care.
“Also, if your husbands or children run businesses that are promising or need support, invest in them. It could become an income stream and reduce financial dependence during retirement,” he added.
He advised entrepreneurs with more than five staff members to also make retirement arrangements for their employees.
On business strategy, CEO of Acumen Development Limited, Engr. AbdulGaniu Jawando, while speaking on “Building a Scalable Business: Strategies for High Growth and Expansion”, emphasised the power of vision.
“You must be a visionary. When others think about today, you should be thinking 10, 20 or even 30 years ahead. Don’t just chase today’s profit if you want to stay relevant for decades,” he said.
Speaking further, Engr. Jawando stressed the need for strategic expansion, encouraging entrepreneurs to evaluate whether to grow through existing or new products, and to carefully consider resources, funding options (like loans or mutual funds), and timing.
He also shared practical tips including product diversification, timely business evaluations, and developing coping strategies during difficult times.
Also speaking at the event, CEO Rummz Ventures, Hajia Rahmot Shuara said successful entrepreneurs must have keen business sense, financial discipline, and a no-excuse mindset.
“There are two types of people — those who give excuses, and those who strive to succeed. As entrepreneurs, avoid excuses and seek opportunities,” she advised.
Earlier in her address, Amirah of Al-Mu’minaat Lagos State, Hajia Balqis Abdullah, said the organisation remains committed to building women-led, Shari’ah-compliant businesses.
“Some of our members are entrepreneurs. Every year, we organise this seminar with expert facilitators to guide them on how to run successful, ethical businesses that also earn Allah’s pleasure,” she said.
On the 2025 theme “Scalable Entrepreneur: Aiming for High Growth and Expansion”, Hajia Balqis said it was chosen to equip believing women with tools for long-term success.
She also spoke on the vocational training of 20 graduands, who were taught catering, event decoration, household essentials, and graphic design.
“It was an initiative of our entrepreneurship officer, Hajia Faoziyyah Abdul-Fattah. Training was subsidised, and now, these sisters are ready to enter the market with confidence,” she added.
Beneficiaries of the vocational training programme expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisers, describing the experience as “empowering and life-changing.”
Hajia Kabeerah Akinpelu
, a participant from Ado-Odo/Otta Local Government who was trained in catering and event decoration, said: “Alhamdulillah, the training went well. I can now bake cakes, make pastries, and handle event decoration with confidence.
“I’m eager to enter the market and start earning. I want to use this opportunity to urge my sisters to always key into Al-Muminaat programmes. They’re always in our best interest.”
Aisha Yunus from Eti-Osa Local Government, who learned catering and the production of household essentials like liquid soap and disinfectant, said the value of the training far outweighed the fee paid.
“The amount we paid is meagre compared to what we’ve gained. I’ve started making and selling my products in my area. Jazakumullahu khairan jaza to the organisers. May Allah reward them abundantly, ” she added.
The testimonies reflect the impact of Al-Muminaat’s annual empowerment initiative, which combines Islamic values with practical business skills to build financially independent and spiritually conscious women.
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