Muslim News gathered that the thrust of the four day leadership programme was to equip participants with practical leadership skills rooted in Islamic values while inspiring them to see leadership as an Amanah, a trust from Allah that demands justice, compassion, humility, integrity and accountability.
* Four-day programme focuses on service, entrepreneurship, AI, modesty and organisational accountability
The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society, NASFAT, on Sunday, July 26, concluded its four day 2026 Women Leadership Training with a renewed call on women leaders to embrace leadership founded on service, integrity, accountability and Islamic values.
Muslim News gathered that the training, organised by the NASFAT National Women Management Committee, commenced on Thursday, July 23, at the NASFAT Islamic Centre, Asese, along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Mowe, Ogun State.
Held under the theme, “Empowered with Purpose: Building Capacity, Character and Accountability in NASFAT Women,” the programme brought together women leaders and emerging leaders from across the country for sessions on leadership, personal conduct and modesty, financial responsibility, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, artificial intelligence and organisational accountability.
NASFAT women secretary says leadership training equips women for impactful service
In her welcome address, the National Women Affairs Secretary of the organisation, Alhaja Ganiyat Omowumi Babalola, said the four-day leadership training was designed to equip women with the knowledge, skills and values needed to serve their families, communities and the organisation with excellence.
She described the impressive turnout as evidence of the participants’ commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
According to her, the training was intended to strengthen participants’ leadership capacity while exposing them to practical knowledge that would make them more effective leaders and better contributors to society.
“Leadership is not merely occupying a position. Leadership is service. It is respect for others. It is showing consideration, understanding people’s actions before judging them, and choosing compassion over criticism,” the committee said.
Alhaja Babalola urged participants to actively engage throughout the programme by sharing experiences, asking questions and applying the lessons learnt after the training.
“I assure you that your decision to participate in this training is one you will never regret. Let us leave this programme better equipped, better informed, and better prepared to serve Allah, NASFAT, and humanity with excellence,” the committee added.
Leadership is service, not position – Prof. Adedeji
Delivering a lecture titled “Leadership Through Service: The Type of Leader I Want to Become,” Professor and Head of the Department of Arts Education, University of Lagos, Prof. Luqman Lekan Adedeji, described leadership as an Amanah (trust) that must be exercised with integrity, wisdom and accountability.
Quoting the saying of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, he reminded participants that, “The best among you are those who are most beneficial to mankind.”
According to him, leadership is not defined by positions but by service, influence and accountability before Allah.
“Leadership is not about position. Leadership is about service. Leadership is about influence. Leadership is about accountability before Allah,” he said.
Prof. Adedeji defined leadership as the ability to positively influence people towards achieving shared goals through service, integrity, wisdom and accountability.
He identified vision, character, service and influence as the pillars of effective leadership and explained that leadership in Islam is built on three relationships, namely with Allah, His Messenger and those placed under one’s care.
He urged participants to measure leadership by lives transformed, people developed and community impact rather than titles.
The professor identified justice, consultation, transparency, humility, patience and trust in Allah as essential ingredients of successful leadership.
“People follow leaders they trust, not merely leaders who hold positions,” he said, urging participants to become leaders who inspire confidence through character and service.
True leadership is measured by impact, not office – Imam Raji
In his presentation titled “Leadership Through Service: Be the Woman People Want to Follow,” the National Da’wah Officer of NASFAT, Abdul Ganiyy Raji, challenged participants to see themselves as leaders regardless of whether they occupy official positions.
He encouraged them to reflect on their experiences in mentoring others, volunteering, resolving conflicts and supporting their communities.
According to him, leadership is determined by the lives people touch rather than the offices they occupy.
“Leadership is more than the office or position you hold,” he said.
Quoting the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, Raji reminded participants that every person is a shepherd who will be questioned about those under his or her care.
He distinguished between leadership based on titles and leadership based on example, noting that while positions may command temporary respect, exemplary leadership creates a lasting legacy.
“The first says, ‘Do what I say.’ The second says, ‘Watch what I do,'” he said while comparing different leadership styles.
Imam Raji stressed that consultation is an important Islamic leadership principle and should never be seen as weakness.
“Consultation is not a sign of weak leadership or ignorance,” he said.
Drawing lessons from the life of Prophet Muhammad, he highlighted the value of consultation, teamwork and leading by example.
He also urged participants to resolve conflicts with wisdom rather than blame.
“When a conflict occurs, one leader asks, ‘Who started this fight?’ Another leader asks, ‘How do we solve it?'”
Describing leaders as problem solvers, Imam Raji said, “A leader is like a doctor. He does not shout at the patient. He diagnoses the illness to know which medicine to use.”
He advised women leaders to mentor others, delegate responsibilities and regard leadership as an opportunity to serve.
CEO urges Muslim women to uphold dignity in speech
Founder of Hopewell Initiatives for National Development, Alhaja Bilquees Aiyepola, delivered a lecture titled “Personal Conduct and Modesty in the Modern Age.”
She urged Muslim women to uphold dignity in their speech, dressing, social interactions and digital activities.
Mrs Aiyepola explained that Haya, the Islamic concept of modesty, represents self respect, moral strength and self discipline and extends beyond clothing to every aspect of a believer’s life.
“Haya brings nothing except good,” she said, quoting the Prophet Muhammad.
Speaking on communication, she advised participants to avoid gossip, backbiting and hurtful speech.
“Our words show our character. Modest speech means speaking with kindness, honesty, and respect,” she said.
She also reminded participants of the Prophetic teaching, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.”
On dressing, Mrs Aiyepola described Islamic clothing as an expression of faith rather than restriction.
“Islamic dress is not about restriction. It is a deliberate choice to be recognised for character rather than appearance,” she said.
She encouraged participants to maintain modesty despite the pressures of fashion trends, workplace expectations and social media.
Mrs Aiyepola also cautioned women to conduct themselves with dignity at social gatherings and to protect the privacy of others.
Addressing digital conduct, she warned that online activities have become part of a person’s public identity. “Our digital footprint is now part of our character,” she said.
She advised participants to think carefully before sharing photographs, captions or comments online. “Your online presence is a reflection of your character and lifestyle. Guard it as such,” she added.
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