Get Guardian on GoogleIn a pioneering effort to address the growing need for specialized, faith-backed eldercare in Nigeria, the Women Wing of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Faidat Society (NASFAT) has flagged off a N500 million fundraising campaign to establish a state-of-the-art living facility for senior citizens.
The development was unveiled during the society’s yearly Women of Al-Jannah Fundraising Luncheon and Recognition Ceremony held at the NASFAT Islamic Center, Asese, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The proposed facility, designed to offer dignified, comfortable and Islamically grounded care for aging Muslims, aims to fill a major gap in the nation’s social welfare framework while providing relief to families in Nigeria and the diaspora.
Delivering the welcome address, the convener of the event, the National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond capital mobilization, describing it as an enduring investment in human dignity and Islamic values.
“Today is more than just a luncheon. It is a celebration of sisterhood, an opportunity to strengthen our relationships, recognize commitment, and invest in a lasting legacy,” Babalola said.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to promoting the dignity, comfort and welfare of our elderly. We are not just raising funds; we are building a legacy of compassion, dignity, and service to humanity. May Allah accept our contributions as Sadaqatu Jariah (ongoing charity) and make this project a source of lasting benefit,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees and executive organs of NASFAT, National President, Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulRauf,commended the women’s wing for consistently championing progressive community-oriented initiatives.
AbdulRauf, noted that while the society’s central mosque project at Asese is nearing completion ahead of public commissioning, the senior care facility represents NASFAT’s next strategic frontier in infrastructure and social welfare.
“Most of our members in the diaspora, and even non-members, have consistently challenged us on when we would establish a structured welfare system for the elderly,” Aiyodeji stated. “We don’t want a situation where elderly parents are left isolated in mansions with only domestic help. We want to provide every elderly man and woman a befitting, vibrant and Islamically guided environment to spend their twilight years.”
He tasked all branches, zones, and diaspora chapters of the society to actively rally behind the N500 million target, expressing optimism that the project would be realized within a twelve-month timeframe.
Corroborating the imperative of the project, the Chief Missioner of NASFAT, Sheikh Abdul-Azeez Onike, highlighted the psychological and spiritual benefits of communal living for the elderly, noting the absence of dedicated Islamic senior care homes in the country.
“When our elderly are among their peers, they engage, share memories, perform Azkar (remembrances), recite the Glorious Qur’an and experience holistic peace,” Onike remarked. “NASFAT is taking the burden off families by offering a safe, spiritually nurturing space for our parents as they navigate the evening of their lives.”
In her goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim, praised the NASFAT women for their foundational role in sustaining the society’s institutions, including the university.
