Ogun PDP dep gov candidate urges Muslim women to unite against social vices
August 2, 2026 5:46 pm
Wife of Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, Olori Khadijah Matemilola, the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele the Iya Sunnah of Egba land and 2027 PDP deputy governorship candidate, Dr Lateefah Sowunmi-Kolapo at the event.
The Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and the 2027 deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Lateefah Sowunmi-Kolapo, has called on Muslim women to unite across organisational, political and professional divides to combat rising social vices, strengthen families and promote sustainable community development across the nation.
She said mothers remain the foundation of society and must intentionally raise children with strong moral values capable of resisting threats such as drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism and moral decadence.
Sowunmi-Kolapo made the call while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural summit of the Egba Muslim Women Forum in Abeokuta on Sunday.
The summit, themed “Mothers, Unity and Community Service: Nurturing Strong Families, Building Vibrant Communities,” was attended by the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, women leaders and representatives of Muslim organisations across Egbaland.
Describing the inauguration of the forum as the beginning of a movement rather than the launch of another association, Sowunmi-Kolapo said the platform was established to strengthen families, empower women, serve communities and contribute to the development of Egbaland.
She commended the Egba Women Titled Chiefs and members of the organising committee for creating a platform that would foster collaboration among Muslim women.
According to her, the strength of any nation depends on the stability of its families, while stable families are built by responsible parents, particularly mothers.
“It is important to note that motherhood is beyond giving birth. It is nurturing faith, discipline, honesty, compassion and excellence,” she said.
She expressed concern over what she described as the erosion of family values, driven by economic hardship and the negative influence of social media.
“Today, 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 as ethical professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders,” she continued.
Sowunmi-Kolapo urged the newly inaugurated forum to become a rallying point for every Muslim woman in Egbaland, irrespective of age, profession, political affiliation or organisational background.
“The Egba Muslim Women Forum must become a home for every Muslim woman. We must replace rivalry with cooperation, suspicion with trust and competition with collaboration. When united, we can strengthen the Ummah, build stronger families, safer communities and contribute meaningfully to a more prosperous Egbaland.
“Muslim women should actively engage in community development, understand public policies, promote accountability, support justice and encourage competent, God-fearing leadership. Leadership is an amanah—a sacred trust—and we should encourage capable Muslim women to serve in education, healthcare, public institutions and other sectors where they can make meaningful contributions to society,” she added.
She further urged the forum to champion leadership development, family counselling, youth mentorship, humanitarian intervention and advocacy programmes capable of transforming lives across Egbaland.
Declaring the summit open, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the gathering as a historic milestone and commended the organisers for their vision.
“I want to congratulate every woman here for being part of a moment that I believe will be remembered as the beginning of something special. Today is indeed a historic day,” she said.
Salako-Oyedele noted that every enduring movement begins with a vision and expressed optimism that the efforts of the organisers would continue to yield positive results.
She also urged Muslim women to embrace unity despite differences in affiliations, stressing that collective action would achieve greater impact than individual efforts.
“There is a saying that if you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together. As women, we instinctively understand the strength that comes from supporting one another,” she added.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]