By Safiyyah Shuaib
* Speakers emphasise tranquil homes, healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare
Muslim women have been urged to strengthen their faith, cultivate patience and empathy, and prioritise healthy communication and mutual respect in their homes as a way of sustaining peaceful families amid the challenges of modern life.
The call was made on Sunday, August 16, at the fourth edition of the All Women Organisation Forum, held at LKJ Garden Hall, Igando, Lagos, with the theme, “Maintaining a Tranquil Home Amidst Turbulence.”
The programme was jointly organised by AIGIk, Tranquil Home Women Empowerment Foundation, Al-Mu’minaat (the Believing Women) Organisation and the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Igando-Ikotun Area Council.
Muslim News gathered that the event featured lectures on family stability and healthy living, alongside free medical check-ups, guidance and counselling, all aimed at promoting the physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing of women.
For the first time, the organisers expanded the medical screening to include eye screening and tuberculosis testing, in addition to the routine health checks, as part of efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare for participants.
Alejo urges women to put Allah first, build tranquil homes
Speaking on the theme, the Chief Building Officer, Lagos State Local Government Civil Service Commission, Hajia Rufaiyah Alejo, urged women to place their trust in Allah and accept His decree while navigating challenges within the home.
Hajia Alejo said financial difficulties, disagreements and other pressures could test family relationships, stressing the need for couples and family members to relate positively and learn from one another.
She advised women to avoid jealousy, show empathy and increase their level of piety, noting that faith remained essential to building a peaceful and tranquil home.
According to her, families should channel their worries and trials to Allah while developing patience as a means of coping with difficult situations.
She also emphasised the importance of effective communication between spouses, family members, neighbours and other members of society.
Hajia Alejo further encouraged women to cultivate forgiveness and mutual respect, describing the two virtues as important ingredients for maintaining peaceful homes.
Sanni tasks women on nutrition, exercise, sleep, screening in midlife
The second lecture focused on the health challenges associated with midlife, with the Chief Medical Officer, Alimosho General Hospital, Lagos State, Dr Zainab Sanni, urging women to adopt healthy lifestyles and take preventive healthcare seriously.
Speaking on “Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle in Midlife,” Sanni explained that middle age generally covers the period between 40 and 60 years, during which women experience significant physical and hormonal changes.
She noted that women at this stage could become vulnerable to health conditions including arthritis, hypertension and cancer, making regular health checks and healthy living important.
According to her, hormonal changes associated with the premenopausal stage could also affect women during midlife and should not be ignored.
Hajia Sanni identified six major pillars of healthy living as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, mental wellbeing, preventive screening, quality sleep and strong social support.
She advised women to maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular movement or exercise as part of their daily routines.
The medical practitioner also stressed the importance of mental wellbeing, urging women to pay attention to their emotional and psychological health rather than focusing only on physical conditions.
She encouraged regular preventive screening to enable early detection of diseases and prompt medical intervention where necessary.
Hajia Sanni also highlighted the importance of adequate sleep and urged women to build supportive relationships through sisterhood and brotherhood.
She called on members of the community to support one another in practical ways, saying social support could contribute significantly to overall wellbeing.
Guests, organisers and activities
The event featured prominent women from the business, professional, health and community sectors.
Managing Director of Opeyemi Foods, Alhaja Modinat Sanusi, chaired the occasion, while Business Tycoon, Alhaja Bilkis Muhd Awwal, served as Co-Chairman of the Day.
The programme was hosted and coordinated by MD/CEO of DPatch, Alhaja Sherifah Tiamiyu, with Chairman of the Programme Planning Committee, Hajia Shakirah Abdul Kareem, leading the planning team.
Also honoured at the event were Spiritual Mother of the Day, Alhaja Musliat Bello, and Special Guest of Honour and CEO of Opeyemi Foods, Alhaja Rafat Raji.
Among other guests were Head of the Department of Accounting, Lagos State University (LASU), and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Tranquil Home Women Empowerment Foundation, Prof. Khadijah Idowu; Insurance Expert, Jaiz Takaful, Alhaja Musliat Ajala Shuaib; Consultant Pathologist, Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, Dr Rukayat Ajibola-Barake; Vice Chairman, LKJ Residents Association, Alhaja Habibat Olajumoke; and Special Guest, Alhaja Halimah Oladipo.
Other activities included guidance and counselling, health talks, question-and-answer sessions, interludes and free medical check-ups for participants.
The organisers said the forum was designed to provide women with practical knowledge and support to navigate family, health and personal challenges while strengthening their spiritual foundation.
They urged women to combine spiritual growth with attention to their physical and mental wellbeing, stressing that maintaining a tranquil home requires strong faith, healthy relationships and deliberate efforts to live a healthy lifestyle.
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