The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) has launched a N500 million fundraising campaign for the establishment of a Women Development Centre, aimed at empowering women and supporting victims of gender-based violence.
According to the society, the proposed facility would comprise a skill acquisition centre, a 50-bed hostel, and a transit home for female victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
In addition, the organisation appealed for the donation of a Dawah Coaster Bus or Minivan to support its outreach and humanitarian activities.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 26th Annual Women’s Week held at the NASFAT ground in Asese, themed: “Rooted in faith, rising with vision: Muslim women transforming the world,” National Women Affairs Secretary of NASFAT, Ganiyat Babalola, stressed that the initiative reflects the body’s commitment to women empowerment, education, and social welfare within the community
She pointed out that the choice of the theme was deliberate, designed to address the rising moral decadence in society, noting that women have a crucial role to play in promoting moral uprightness.
“Our theme, ‘Rooted in faith, rising with vision: Muslim women transforming the world’, celebrates the enduring strength of resilience and transformative power of Muslim women, women who hold firmly to faith, while fearlessly shaping their communities and the world at large,” Babalola said.
The Chief Missioner of NASFAT, Imam Abdulaziz Onike, said the yearly celebration is to promote womanhood and debunk the misconceptions some people have about women’s roles in Islam.
“At Nasrul-lahi-l-fatih, women constitute the largest percentage of our congregation, between 65 and 70 per cent, and they contribute wonderfully to the community. We do this celebration annually, designating a week as Women’s Week to celebrate and showcase their achievements. For instance, the mosque edifice you see here, which cost about N1 billion, had its floor carpeted by the women themselves through voluntary contributions. They play a crucial role in this society,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman, National Council of Elders, Alhaji Yunus Saliu, commended the commitment of the NASFAT Women, noting that their contributions to community development and organisational advancement are monumental.
He urged all the women to intensify efforts in promoting girl-child education, empowerment of the women, as well as championing sustainable development, to ensure a better world for generations to come.
Speaking earlier, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, who delivered the day’s lecture, stressed the important role women play in promoting and nurturing a healthy society.
