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* We’ve remained focused on service to Allah for three decades – National Amirah
* Celebrates Muslim achievers for community impact, service to Islam and humanity
Hajia Aminah Yahya, Director of Education and Vice Principal at Egbe Junior High School, Lagos, has described mentorship as both a duty and a lasting legacy, particularly for Muslims.
She made this assertion during the grand lecture and award ceremony held on Sunday at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation.
The event brought together members of the organisation from across Nigeria and honoured over 31 Muslim achievers for their contributions to Islamic propagation and societal development through Al-Mu’minaat’s platform.
Delivering the keynote address titled, “Nurturing the Next Generation through Mentorship: Al-Mu’minaat Lead,” Hajia Yahya noted that Muslims have a responsibility to mentor because they are the best nation raised by Allah to guide others, uphold Islamic values, and preserve the excellence of the Ummah.
Hajia Yahya noted that mentorship is also “knowledge that benefits” and “a means of raising righteous successors,” noting that it is a form of sadaqah jariyah, a continuous charity whose rewards never cease.
“The Al-Mu’minaat leadership legacy is not just about the positions we hold today, but about the leaders we are nurturing for tomorrow. This is an amanah, a sacred trust,” she said.
Power of role modeling
Speaking on the power of role modeling, Hajia Yahya, founder of the Yahya Aminah Foundation, emphasised the crucial role female role models play in inspiring the next generation of Muslim women leaders.
She observed that many young women grow up without seeing strong female figures in leadership around them, which can lead to self-doubt and limited aspirations.
Quoting the Qur’an, she highlighted Sayyidah Maryam (AS) as a timeless symbol of devotion and strength (Qur’an 3:42 vs 43), and referenced Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as “the best example” (Qur’an 33:21) for all believers.
“In Al-Mu’minaat, our senior women leaders are living proof that it’s possible to combine faith, family, and leadership,” she said. “Mentorship bridges the visibility gap and sends a clear message to our younger sisters: ‘Yes, you too can lead,’” she added.
Mentorship models and their unique role
Hajia Yahya expatiated on various models of mentorship, emphasising that each plays a unique and valuable role in nurturing future leaders.
She identified formal mentorship, which involves structured programmes, training sessions, and leadership workshops; and informal mentorship, which occurs through daily interactions, offering guidance, encouragement, and correction.
Other models include one-on-one mentorship, providing personalised coaching and focused support, and peer-to-peer mentorship, where women learn together, share experiences, and support one another.
Hajia Yahya noted that Al-Mu’minaat integrates all these approaches – study circles to leadership development programmes — to promote continuity, growth, and lasting impact.
She encouraged mentors, especially women, to guide the younger generation with intentionality, wisdom, and love. “Through mentorship, we write our legacy; both in the lives of the next generation and in the eternal records with Allah,” she added.
Ex-VON Director applauds Al-Mu’minaat’s impact, urges more humanitarian service
The Chairman of the occasion and retired Director at Voice of Nigeria (VON), Alhaji AbdurRazzaq Adegboyega Abdul Salaam, popularly known as Abu Umar, commended Al-Mu’minaat for its unwavering dedication to empowering Muslim women and uplifting humanity.
Alhaji Abdul Salaam, who is also the pioneer Amir of The Muslim Congress (TMC) noted that beyond marking three decades of existence, the event also featured an award ceremony aimed at honouring outstanding members and Muslim achievers whose works have advanced Islamic values and community development.
“We are here to honour Muslim achievers who have been performing excellently well in their different callings. The recognition is meant to encourage them to continue impacting lives and also mobilise others to emulate them in doing good,” he said.
The Lead Consultant at TripleA & Associates lauded Al-Mu’minaat’s consistency in educating women on moral values, empowering them with knowledge, and supporting those in need through both guidance and financial aid.
A major highlight, he said, is the establishment of an orphanage by the organisation to care for underprivileged children — a significant step in its service to humanity.
Abu Umar urged the organisation to continue pushing boundaries. “It is never enough, and it doesn’t end until the world itself ends. We must keep striving and seeking new avenues to serve humanity,” he concluded.
We’ve remained focused on servitude to Allah — National Amirah
The convener and National Amirah Al-Mu’minaat, Hajia Jelilat AbdulHamid, in her welcome address, described the organisation’s 30-year existence as a remarkable milestone in its mission to guide Muslim women towards sincere servitude to Allah.
Hajia AbdulHamid said the journey has been filled with dedication and sacrifice from successive leaderships since inception.
“Thirty years of being in the vanguard of redirecting womenfolk to the servitude of Allah is an immeasurable and invaluable milestone,” she said, noting that the successes recorded over the years could only have been made possible by Allah’s help and the unwavering support of committed members and well-wishers.
She acknowledged the efforts of past and present executive members, expressing gratitude for their resilience in upholding the values and mission of Al-Mu’minaat.
“We glorify Allah for sustaining this noble organisation. We appreciate every member, supporter, and well-wisher who has contributed to this journey. We do not take anyone’s support for granted,” she added.
While declaring the conclusion of a three-month-long anniversary programme, the Amirah said the grand event served not just as a celebration, but also a reflection of the organisation’s contributions to building virile Muslim homes and empowering women through education, moral reorientation, and faith-based leadership.
She reaffirmed Al-Mu’minaat’s commitment to doing more, saying, “We are surely not resting on our oars. We will redouble our efforts and continue to serve in the best of our capacity and capability as an organisation.”
Hajia Jelilat AbdulHamid congratulated the recipients of awards, saying that the selection was purely based on merit and verifiable service to humanity.
Awardees laud Al-Mu’minaat’s impact, say recognition is a call to greater service
Award recipients expressed deep appreciation to the group for recognising their contributions to humanity, describing the honour as a call to greater service.
One of the awardees, Pharmacist Shakirat Adeosun, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, praised the organisation for its selfless work, stating that though she is not yet a member, the honour has inspired her to join the fold.
The immediate past Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Olusola Ajala, popularly known as “Chairman Emeritus” appreciated the Organisation for honouring him and other prominent Muslims with awards of excellence in recognition of their humanitarian services and contributions to societal development.
The Publisher of Muslim News Nigeria, Rasheed Abubakar spoke on behalf of the awardees, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the honour and the widespread support it symbolises.
“We deeply appreciate this recognition and the broad support it signifies. It represents not just an individual achievement, but a collective acknowledgment and general acceptance of our shared efforts,” he added.
Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation was founded in 1995 as a faith-based, non-governmental organisation with the mission to empower Muslim women and build a strong Muslim community through education and welfare projects that promote self-actualisation and sustainable national development.
The registered, law-abiding organisation is well-established across many states in Nigeria, with a clear vision to propagate pristine Islam through various impactful channels while fostering moral, spiritual, and socio-economic growth.
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