* It’s more than a manual, it’s companion for aspiring mentors: Book Reviewer
* Mentorship, a shared duty and sacred trust: Convener
It was a day of inspiration, recognition, and renewed commitment to youth development as the Yahya Aminat Foundation hosted its 2025 Mentorship Haflah on Wednesday, August 5, 2025, at the Daw’ah Centre, Ijeshatedo Expressway, Lagos, under the theme: “Mentorship: A Call for You and Me.”
The well-attended event, chaired by Dr. Engr. Ibrahim Abdul, Rector of Yaba College of Technology, featured the official launch of a mentorship manual, “Structured Mentorship Handbook”, written by the Founder and Convener, Hajia Aminat Omosalewa Yahya.
In her opening address, Hajia Yahya welcomed the gathering with heartfelt gratitude and a strong message on the power and necessity of mentorship in shaping the future.
“Today is not just an event; it is the culmination of sincere efforts, consistent mentoring, and an unwavering belief that every child deserves guidance,” she said. “Every teacher can mentor, and every community can rise when we work together. This year’s theme reminds us that mentorship is not the responsibility of a few — it is a shared duty and a sacred trust.”
Drawing from Islamic teachings, she quoted from Surah Al-Maaidah: “Cooperate in righteousness and piety but do not cooperate in sin and transgression.”
She noted that the Foundation has seen visible results: “Today, we witness the fruits of dedicated mentors who gave their time, hearts, and skills, and mentees who have grown in knowledge, character, and purpose.”
One of the highlights of the Haflah was the presentation of awards to outstanding mentors who had shown excellence in their roles. Some of the awardees include Mrs Ogunmuyiwa Qudrah, Hajia Basirah Juma’h, Hajia Lateefah Adeyemi, Hajia Ni’matallah Kikelomo Olanlege, among others.
The event also ensured that mentees, many of whom were accompanied by their parents, did not leave empty-handed, as they received memorable gifts — a gesture that reinforced the Foundation’s holistic and inclusive approach to mentoring.
It’s more than a manual, it’s companion for aspiring mentors: Book Reviewer
The newly launched Structured Mentorship Handbook was reviewed by Prof. Khadijah Adeola, FCA, Professor of Accounting at Lagos State University (LASU), who described the book as more than just a manual, calling it “a companion for everyone interested in becoming a mentor because mentorship is an act of ibadah (worship).”
According to Prof. Adeola, the handbook is divided into two key parts. Part One explains the concept of mentorship using Islamic references, including the story of Prophet Musa and Khidr from Surah Al-Kahf and examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a mentor to his companions.
“Part Two offers a detailed framework of the Yahya Aminat Foundation’s mentorship structure, which includes weekly classes over a 13-week term across three terms in a session.”
She also addressed the moral and societal gaps affecting today’s youth: “There is no doubt that our youths are in a state of delusion and confusion. The schools have disappointed them. Even parents and teachers sometimes mislead them. It is a compulsory duty for each of us who is conscious to act as mentors — not just to shape their character but to secure the future of our society.”
Prof. Adeola stressed that the handbook is not just for formal mentors or educators. “Everybody needs this book — parents, aspiring parents, youth leaders, and community figures. It tells you what to do, what to say, and how to interact. It is a manual for living and guiding.”
She concluded with a passionate call to action: “Let us join hands with Yahya Aminat Foundation to mentor our youths. Many believe the country has nothing to offer, but that’s not true. We must develop ourselves here and mentor others to do the same.”
Early mentorship will build confidence in young people: YABATECH Rector
While unveiling the handbook, YABATECH Rector praised the Yahya Aminat Foundation for its commitment and continuity, describing the Foundation as a “breeding mentor”, not just a mentoring group
He said, “To start is not what is difficult, but to be able to sustain the efforts and allow it to grow year in, year out, is what I credit the foundation for. Starting four years ago and waxing stronger is not small.
“We have solo efforts where people become mentors on their own, but Yahya Aminat Foundation is not only coming out as a mentor but a breeding mentor. What we need in society is for the number of mentors to increase.”
He stressed that mentorship should begin early for young people, saying that it’ll not only guide them but help build confidence, provide role models, and teach valuable life skills.
“The tendency is for them to get their direction from their childhood. You need to mentor them so they can have a very good direction and focus right from their youthful age so they can become beneficial. No nation that wants to succeed will joke with mentorship for the youths of the community.”
Dr Adeniyi warns youth against social media addiction
Earlier in a keynote address titled “A Call for You and Me”, Dr. Adeniyi made a passionate call for intentional mentorship, especially for the younger generation increasingly consumed by the distractions and dangers of the digital age.
The CEO of Vanguards Academy emphasized that mentorship remains one of the most powerful relationships for personal, academic, spiritual, and professional development.
He described it as a crucial process in which “a more experienced person guides, advises, and supports a less experienced individual.”
The 2025 Mentorship Haflah was not just an event, but a compelling call to action — a celebration of impact, a roadmap for the future, and a platform for transformative change in Nigeria’s mentorship landscape. As the Founder concluded in her address: “The best of people are those that bring benefit to others.”
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