The pivotal role of Muslim women as torchbearers of positive change was the central theme of the 2025 annual convention of the Lagos State Chapter of Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women Organisation), held on Saturday at the Daw’ah Centre, Ijeshatedo.
The event drew delegates from the national headquarters of the organisation, led by the National Amirah, Builder Jelilah AbdulHamid, alongside stakeholders and members from across Lagos State.
Muslim News gathered that the convention also served as a platform for the organisation to present a comprehensive stewardship report of its activities over the past twelve months, ahead of the transition to a new set of executives by December 2025.
Similar conventions have recently been held across various zones including Ijebu, Oyo, Osun, Niger, Abuja, Edo, and Ondo States, as part of the organisation’s nationwide engagement and development initiatives.
Al-Mu’minaat’s vision is a divine trust: Hajia Aminah Yahya
Speaking on the theme “Advancing the Vision and Mission: The Torchbearers on Call”, Hajia Aminah Yahya, Director of Education and Vice Principal at Egbe Junior High School, Lagos, described the mandate of Al-Mu’minaat as a noble and divine trust (Amanah) that calls for dedication, consistency, and renewal.
She explained that the organisation’s vision to be “primus inter pares” among Muslim women organisations in Nigeria is not about competition but excellence and nurturing women who are religiously conscious, socially responsible, economically productive, and politically aware.
Citing Qur’an 3:104, the founder of Aminah Yahya Foundation urged members to rise above mediocrity and embody leadership, service, and moral reform through action and character.
She further noted that Al-Mu’minaat’s mission to empower Muslim women is a holistic one, encompassing spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and economic growth.
Quoting a hadith, she reminded participants that the best of people are those who are most beneficial to others, stressing the need for Muslim women to lead in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities with integrity and taqwah.
Be torchbearers of impactful change
Hajia Aminah Yahya called on members of Al-Mu’minaat to become torchbearers of the organisation’s mission by actively combating ignorance, poverty, disunity, and moral decay through leadership, mentorship, and service in their various capacities as mothers, teachers, professionals, and community leaders.
She described torchbearers as women who serve with clarity, commitment, competence, and character, emphasizing that “a torch loses nothing by lighting another,” and urging members to uplift fellow sisters through mentorship and support.
Addressing hundreds of members who paid rapt attention to her presentation, Hajia Aminah Yahya stressed the need to advance Al-Mu’minaat’s vision in today’s tech-driven world by leveraging digital platforms for da’wah and education, empowering women with digital skills, supporting the vulnerable through strong welfare systems, and advocating for Muslim women’s rights in line with the Qur’an and Sunnah.
She stated that the organisation’s relevance lies not in numbers but in its visible impact on society.
Adopt the torchbearer mindset
Speaking further, Hajia Aminah Yahya urged members to adopt the mindset of torchbearers who advance the organisation’s mission with humility, unity, and long-term vision for future generations.
Quoting Qur’an 61:4, she asserted the power of unity and discipline in achieving collective goals, likening the organisation to a firm wall of purpose.
She reminded members that even small acts like teaching a girl, supporting a widow, or upholding integrity contribute meaningfully to advancing Al-Mu’minaat’s vision.
The founder of Aminah Yahya Foundation called on participants to recommit to the amanah (trust) with sincerity and creativity, stressing that the ultimate light belongs to Allah, and that every member must shine faithfully to inspire generations of conscious, empowered Muslim women.
Muslim women must lead by example: Hajia Bushrah Shafi’i
Also speaking, Hajia Bushrah Adeola Shafi’i, a counsellor and retired Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Education, described the Muslim woman as a torchbearer, who leads by example, promotes good, and stands against wrongdoing.
She told Muslim News in an interview that being a torchbearer begins with self-discipline and knowledge, urging women to first live by the values they preach.
“A Muslim woman must know what is right and do it, and also avoid what is wrong,” she said, adding that the home is the first place a woman must positively influence, by nurturing her husband and children.
Hajia Adeola Shafi’i, who is one of the stakeholders in the organization, noted that a torch-bearing Muslim woman should actively engage with society, speak up when things go wrong, and contribute to social progress.
“She should seek knowledge, be ready to sacrifice, and stay informed, not only for herself and her family but for the good of the wider community,” she stated.
She concluded by stressing that educating a woman means educating a nation, urging Al-Mu’minaat members to rise to their responsibilities as drivers of positive change in a society where many women have neglected their roles.
National Amirah extols Lagos Al-Mu’minaat achievements
The National Amirah of the organisation has commended the outgoing leadership of Al-Mu’minaat Lagos, led by Hajia Balqis Abdullah, for its notable achievements in strengthening sisterhood, promoting community service, and enhancing the visibility and impact of the organisation across the state.
“This is a handing over convention,” she explained. “After this event, we will officially hand over to another set of executives to continue the work in Lagos State.”
Builder AbdulHamid further called on Nigerian Muslims to prioritise self-empowerment and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.
She also emphasized the need for increased security awareness in light of the ongoing insecurity and banditry in parts of the country.
“We must teach our children to be security conscious and report any suspicious activity. The safety of our homes and communities must be our collective responsibility,” she concluded.
Outgoing Amirah reflects on tenure, highlights achievements
The outgoing Amirah expressed gratitude to members of the executive for their support and cooperation throughout her two-year tenure, which ends in December 2025.
Hajia Abdullah highlighted key achievements including welfare interventions such as the SOS support for victims of a collapsed mosque in Mushin, prison visits, and outreach to orphanages, people with special needs, and the visually impaired.
She said, “It has been a great opportunity to serve. The vision of Al-Mu’minaat is for us to be the best among equals wherever we find ourselves, while our mission is to build and empower women for a formidable and sustainable Muslim Ummah.”
She described the tenure as “a journey of strength and growth” and expressed optimism that the incoming administration would deepen impact, especially in the areas of training and collaboration with government.
“We’ve seen that the Lagos State Government is open to more collaboration with us, particularly in health and capacity building. We look forward to that. It has been wonderful and we truly thank Allah for His mercy and the opportunity to serve,” she concluded.
Finalists for Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year (#MNAwards20242025)
Sponsored
Sponsored
