AN Islamic women’s group, Al-Mu’minaat Organisation, has called on Nigerian women to play their roles effectively in bringing about positive transformation in the society and to be committed to building peace in their homes.
The Communications Officer of the organisation in Oyo State, Mrs Adedoyin Khadijah Sunmonu, made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, at the Tribune House, in Ibadan.
Sunmonu, accompanied by members of the organisation, stated that Nigeria was currently facing corruption and security challenges as the family unit had failed in its responsibility to nurture responsible and righteous individuals from homes.
She stated that increasing social vices informed the theme of this year’s edition of her organisation’s biannual Al-Mu’minaat Week, ‘Home Pillar’.
Sunmonu stated that the lecture in the programme would be used to enlighten members of the public about the values of Islam and the need to promote peace and harmony in the society.
“A lot of work needs to be done to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe place for all. And we believe that the unity of the Nigerian nation is non-negotiable, and we implore all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion, to continue to work towards peaceful co-existence in the country,” Sunmonu said.
In her remarks, Mrs Bamidele Zainab Akanji (Amirah, Oyo State Al-Mu’minaat), stated that the organisation had spread to 11 states and some local governments across the country.
Akanji said that the cardinal objectives of the organisation include dissemination of undistorted knowledge of Islam among women using the Qur’an and Hadith and organising programmes such as adult literacy, spiritual talks, marital counseling and vocational training.
“We see ourselves as females, but that does not prevent us from doing the work of Allah,” Akanji said, as she commended the Tribune titles for their responsible journalism.
Other members of the organisation present during the visitation were Mrs Habeebah Bamigbade Abdulrauf (Amirah, Ibadan South West) and Mrs Ganiyat Adelopo, the organisation’s Oyo State branch treasurer.
The Group Sports Editor, Mr Ganiyu Salman, Mr Mukhtar Adelabu of the Advert Department and Mr Muideen Ajiboye of the Computer Department received the visitors on behalf of the ANN Plc.
Salman informed the guests that the Tribune titles always promote Islam as part of the media organisation’s editorial policies.
He stated that the management dedicates two pages to Islamic news every Friday while Ramadan message is published daily throughout the holy month of fasting.
Salman implored Al-Mu’minaat to increase its focus on issues affecting the country so that the public could learn from them and for the organisation to gain more media attention.
“Irrespective of religion, we need peace, unity and security. As Muslims, we should focus our messages and sermons on how to promote peace and harmony and how individuals too can assist the authorities to address security challenges in the country,” Salman said.
He later presented a copy of the first edition of the Nigerian Tribune published on November 16, 1949 to the guests on behalf of the management.
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