The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in the 2027 general election, Yemi Kolapo, has described the inauguration of the Egba Muslim Women Forum (EMWOF) as the birth of a movement committed to empowering women, strengthening families and advancing the development of Egbaland.

Speaking at the forum’s maiden summit in Abeokuta, Kolapo commended the Egba Muslim titled chiefs for creating a platform that promotes unity among Muslim women and applauded the organisers for successfully hosting the inaugural event.

He said the forum should go beyond ceremonial gatherings to become a vehicle for leadership development, family counselling, humanitarian intervention, youth mentorship, advocacy and Islamic propagation.

According to him, Nigerian families are confronted with growing social challenges, including drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, weakening family values, the negative influence of social media and economic hardship.

“Our homes face enormous challenges, including drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, weakening family values, the negative influence of social media and economic hardship. As Muslim women, we must intentionally raise children who fear Allah, uphold integrity and contribute positively to society,” he said.

Kolapo urged the forum to remain non-partisan while encouraging Muslim women to participate actively in community development, promote accountability and support competent and ethical leadership.

Drawing inspiration from renowned female figures in Islamic history, including Khadijah, Aisha, Nusaybah bint Ka’b and Nana Asma’u, he urged members to emulate their examples of service, scholarship and leadership.

“As we inaugurate this forum, let it be remembered not for ceremonies alone, but for transforming lives, strengthening marriages, mentoring girls, supporting vulnerable families and producing ethical leaders,” he added.

Also speaking, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, called on Muslim women in Egbaland to embrace unity and collective action as a catalyst for stronger families and sustainable community development.

She made the call at the inaugural summit of EMWOF, held under the theme, “Mothers, Unity, and Community Service: Nurturing Strong Families, Building Vibrant Communities.”

Describing the event as “the beginning of something special,” Salako-Oyedele said the gathering marked a historic milestone in fostering collaboration among Muslim women‘s groups across Egbaland.

“Every enduring movement starts with a vision. Today is indeed a historic day, and I congratulate every woman here for being part of what I believe will be remembered as the beginning of something special”.

The deputy governor commended the women behind the initiative and prayed that Allah would accept their efforts as an act of worship and make the forum a source of lasting blessings.

She noted that while Muslim women belonged to different organisations and professional backgrounds, such diversity should be seen as a strength rather than a source of division.

“Bringing the various women’s groups in Egbaland under a common umbrella does not diminish each group’s identity; rather, it amplifies our collective voice. Together, we can speak more effectively on issues affecting women, children, education, family life and community development”.

According to Salako-Oyedele, the forum has the capacity to become a strategic partner in advancing the welfare of the Muslim community and contributing meaningfully to the development of Egbaland.

She urged participants to use the summit to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions that would strengthen families, empower women and positively impact society.

“It is my hope that what begins here today will not remain an Egba initiative alone, but will become a model that Muslim women in other parts of Ogun State will be inspired to replicate” .

Earlier, the guest lecturer and Deputy Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Mrs Ibrahim Rasheedah, challenged Muslim women to rise above organisational differences and embrace collective responsibility in addressing issues affecting their communities.

 

She urged members to speak with one voice on matters of common interest and strive to leave a lasting legacy of impactful service.

“Let us become Muslim women whose impact will outlive our lifetime. May Allah unite us and unite our hearts,” she said.

The inaugural EMWOF summit attracted Muslim women from various Islamic organisations, professional bodies and community associations across Egbaland to promote unity, family values and community service.