NASFAT celebrates 30th anniversary

The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) held a press conference on January 28, 2025, at the Lagos State Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

The event, themed “Leading the Way: NASFAT as a Change Agent,” highlighted the organization’s accomplishments over the years and its plans for the future.

The programme began with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an by NASFAT’s National Dawah Officer, Imam Abdulganiyy Raji, followed by an opening prayer led by the Chief Missioner, Imam Maroofdeen Abdul-Azeez Onike.

Members of the press from top media houses and key society leaders, including NASFAT Women Leader Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola and Chairman of the National Public Relations Committee, Mr. Fatai Olayemi, attended the event.

In his keynote address, NASFAT President Worldwide, Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulRauf, reflected on the society’s journey over the last three decades.

He noted that NASFAT has grown from a small prayer group into a global organization with over 360 branches, 28 primary schools, eight secondary schools, five hospitals, and the internationally recognized Fountain University. He also shared how NASFAT is modernizing by leveraging technology and enhancing its outreach to benefit communities.

The NASFAT President also stressed the organization’s commitment to leadership development and empowerment.

Speaking about NASFAT’s new initiatives, he explained the significance of the acronym “LEAD,” introduced when the current executive council came on board on February 4, 2021.

The acronym underscores NASFAT’s dedication to raising capable leaders who can positively impact society.

To strengthen leadership, NASFAT leaders attended a training program at Harvard University to set strategic goals. “The results of those efforts are what you are seeing today,” AbdulRauf said. “In the next 10 years, we believe many leaders in Nigeria will emerge from NASFAT.”

NASFAT has also prioritised youth empowerment through skill acquisition programmes. “The organization launched the NASFAT Activate initiative, which provides young members with ICT training and certifications. Graduates of this program have secured full-time employment. Plans are underway to train another group in renewable energy, equipping them with skills to solve future challenges,” AbdulRauf claimed.

NASFAT announced plans to increase its media presence through quarterly briefings.

“We waited this long because if you have something to market, you don’t need to make noise,” Alhaji AbdulRauf explained. “Now, we are ready to show the world what we’ve been doing.”

The organization also shared plans to launch an innovative app that will make the lives of Muslims easier.

The app will include features for reading the Qur’an, interacting with scholars, and answering users’ questions while staying compliant with Islamic teachings and societal norms.

Addressing questions about the trending topic of introducing Sharia law to the South West, NASFAT leaders clarified their stance.

“We are in a secular state, and what we have achieved in 30 years is due to our tolerance and adaptability,” they said.

Rather than confrontational approaches, NASFAT plans to establish an arbitration centre for Muslims and non-Muslims to resolve disputes amicably. This initiative, they explained, would apply Sharia law where appropriate without violating the country’s secular framework.

In response to questions about the benefits NASFAT members receive, Alhaji AbdulRauf highlighted scholarships and discounts at Fountain University. “We’ve given scholarships to over 100 members, and discounts are available for others. Even journalists interested in Islamic studies can apply and receive full scholarships,” he said.

Also reaffirming their commitment to supporting members and expanding their impact, AbdulRauf added, “We started in a living room, and look where we are today. NASFAT will continue to grow.”