* Develop strong networking skills: Arabel to young entrepreneurs
The Chief Executive Officer of Arabel, Nigeria’s first Islamic store, Hajia Shareefah Abiola Andu, has urged young Nigerians to develop strong networking skills and establish proper business structures to succeed as entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the 36th Annual General Meeting of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) on Wednesday, October 1 with the theme, “entrepreneurship opportunities and retirement planning”, Hajia Andu stressed that entrepreneurship must go beyond mere passion.
The meeting also featured the reading of Secretariat reports of the Association during the period under review and disbursement of N14.2 million by the Scholarship Committee to 23 students as financial support for the 2025/2026 academic session.
In addition, Muslim News gathered that a cheque of N1 million was also presented to the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Lagos chapter to support their indigent members to pay tuition fees for the current academic session.
Addressing the topic, ‘Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Current Government Policies for Young Graduates’, the Arabel Islamic Nigeria CEO emphasised the importance of networking to the success of entrepreneurial endeavours.
Hajia Andu, who is the first female and current Chairman of Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association in Lagos, said networking with relevant people can help the growth of businesses.
“Young entrepreneurs should keep good relationships with technical advisors, financial advisors, legal advisors, and marketing advisors. This will help them a lot,” she noted.
She commended Dr. Mumini Alao-led UMA administration for sustaining the 40-year-old alumni body, describing it as a “holistic and lasting” association.
Plan retirement early, financial expert advises Nigerian workers
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Ahmed Popoola, a highly accomplished banker, accountant and MD/CEO of CRC Credit Bureau Limited, urged both young graduates and senior professionals to begin retirement planning from the moment they start working.
Delivering a keynote address on ‘Retirement Planning for Senior Professionals and Young Graduates’, Dr. Popoola said retirement preparation must go beyond finances to include health, asset management, social bonds, and legacy.
“It is not just about planning for financial resources, but also planning for health, planning how to manage your assets, planning how you want to be remembered when you’re no longer active or dead. It takes serious and conscious efforts to be very deliberate so that you would not be hit by what you didn’t plan for,” he said.
He lamented the lack of social support systems for retirees in Nigeria, unlike in developed countries where governments provide housing and stipends for the elderly.
Dr. Popoola, former National Amir of The Companion (2009-2012), therefore urged Nigerians to take intentional steps in planning for life after active work.
“According to him, “In abroad, whether you work or not, there is an amount you can collect if you’re no longer working or while you’re active. They have set aside resources to support you, provide accommodation, and make you a member of society.
“However, in Nigeria, we don’t have all that. This means you have to be constant and deliberate in planning for your retirement, considering the goals you want to achieve, the resources required to live the life you want, and the investments you need to make.”
Prioritise diet, mental wellbeing, LUTH Physician urges Nigerians
The programme also featured a presentation from a consultant and family physician with Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Ikeja,Dr. Sakeenah Odunaye-Badmus, who called on Nigerians to prioritise healthy diets and maintain physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing to prevent chronic illnesses.
Dr. Odunaye-Badmus warned that unhealthy habits formed during youthful age could lead to serious health issues later in life.
“Some people feel that because they are young, they can still do a lot of things they want to do. The body never forgets. What you eat or drink accumulates and may cause inflammation over time, leading to chronic conditions”, she said.
She recommended more fruits, vegetables, water, and regular exercise, while also stressing the importance of managing stress and avoiding toxic relationships.
“Also included in emotional wellbeing is stress. How do we manage stress? Stress is part of life. There is nothing we can do about it. But our actions go a long way in determining the effect of stress on us,” she said.
The National President of UMA, Dr. Alao, appreciated the guest speakers for doing justice to the topics of entrepreneurship and retirement planning.
He urged members of the alumni to show more active participation in UMA’s programmes, stressing that such engagements are vital for the growth and sustainability of the association.
The annual meeting witnessed the attendance of members from various graduating sets, many of whom now hold top positions in diverse sectors including education, engineering, politics, media, finance, and industry.
It also served as a platform for networking, experience-sharing, and strategising for future contributions to national development and community service.
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