The Women’s Wing of the Nawair-ud Deen Society of Nigeria (NUDS) hosted their 2nd National Mothers’ Day celebration on Saturday, August 17th, 2024, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Ilorin. The event, themed “Celebrating Mothers in Islam,” brought together mothers, community leaders, and government officials.
Alhaja Muibat Folashade Aribidesi, the National Chairperson of the NUDS Women’s Wing, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the organization’s dedication to empowering women and making a positive impact.
She expressed gratitude to the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdul-Razaq Abdul Rahman, and the Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Opeyemi O. Afolashade, for their support.
The event aimed to raise funds for a Muslim Orphanage home and a Vocational Center for widows and less privileged individuals. Alhaja Aribidesi expressed hope for a generous donation and a spiritually rewarding program.
The National Mothers’ Day celebration recognized the invaluable contributions of mothers to the Islamic community and society, with the NUDS Women’s Wing continuing to drive positive change in Kwara State.
The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Abdulrasaki Oladejo, Deputy President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and President of MUSWEN, remarked that education is very important and parents should ensure their children attend school to become successful in life. He emphasized the importance of both Western and Islamic education.
He appealed to the people to donate generously to the association to execute their projects. The National President, Alhaji (Asiwaju) Rasheed Olayinka Yusuf (FCS), represented by Dr. Abdulganiyu Bamidele, praised Almighty Allah for the opportunity to gather and celebrate the valued and productive women who drive the promotion of family ties and Islamic ethics.
He recognized the immense contributions of mothers to human development, as emphasized by the United Nations Organization and the Holy Qur’an, and commended the National Women’s Wing for their splendid roles and contributions to humanity.
The President encouraged the Women’s Wing to empower female members in need, provide skill acquisition workshops, capacity building training, and material and financial assistance to improve their standard of living. He emphasized the importance of the theme “Generational Influence: Unveiling the Power of a Devoted Mother” in addressing the challenges facing motherhood today.
He concluded by wishing for a fruitful and impactful celebration, declaring the Mothers’ Day and Awards of Iconic Mothers’ Ceremony open, and encouraging all to enhance their knowledge and understanding to promote and sustain motherhood values within Islamic tenets.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq sent a message to the occasion, delivered by the SSA Islamic Matter. He called on parents to be role models for their children and cautioned them on how to use social media, as their children are watching them. He also applauded the association for choosing Kwara for their 2nd National Mothers’ Day and the topic chosen for the lecture.
Professor Mulkah Adebisi Ahmed of the Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on “Generational Influence: Unveiling the Power of a Devoted Mother.” She emphasized the crucial role of mothers in shaping the lives of their children, families, and society as a whole.
Citing the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), she highlighted the significance of a mother’s influence, stating, “A mother is a school; if she is well-versed, the whole family will be well-versed” (Ibn Abbas). A devoted mother, according to Prof. Ahmed, is one who selflessly dedicates her time, effort, resources, and energy to her child’s upbringing.
She stressed that understanding the generation our children belong to and their characteristics is crucial, as our role as mothers remains unchanged despite the changing times. Devoted mothers play a vital role in instilling values, morals, and ethics in their children, serving as role models, and teaching children the importance of hard work, perseverance, and compassion.
By being devoted, mothers can break cycles of negativity and foster a sense of purpose and direction in their children. The influence of devoted mothers extends beyond the family unit, impacting society as a whole. By raising responsible, empathetic, and knowledgeable individuals, devoted mothers contribute to creating a better world.
Prof. Ahmed encouraged mothers to embrace their power and take their responsibilities seriously, recognizing the profound impact they have on future generations. By adapting to changing times and committing to their child’s upbringing, devoted mothers can create a lasting, positive generational influence, shaping the future of our nation and the world.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities, including the wife of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaja Rafat Aduke Sulu-Gambari, Hon. Alhaja Maryam Yusuf Aladi and others.
