Nigerian Muslim parents urged to be responsible and responsive
June 4, 2023 Mutiu Abdullahi & Fausiat Salako-Sanni
Parents have been advised to ensure their children especially the girl child is trained on both Western and religious education in order to teach good morals that will bring sanity to the society.
An Islamic Cleric, Alhaji Muhammad Taofeek Akewugbagold gave the advice while speaking at the 5th Biennial Women’s Conference organized by Women Affairs Management Committee of NASFAT Lagos Zone 1, held at one of the branches of the Zone, Owutu in Ikorodu area of Lagos State with the theme “Promoting Education Among Muslim Women: Impact on the society.
Sheikh Taofeek who explained that everyone deserves love and kindness, especially children, whose upbringing is entirely the responsibility of parents noted that parents and guardians have more responsibility to raise their children to be pious individuals.
He added that children have natural ability to acquire knowledge and skills at an early stage of their life, therefore, he urged parents to be responsive, responsible and teach them the moral knowledge the children require because it’s a known fact that, the parents and guardians are the first school/class where children can learn from.
He further charged parents to train their children to be productive and useful to themselves and the society at large.
Earlier in her address, Nasfat National Women affairs Secretary, Alhaja Suweebah Kupolati said the event was organized for women within all the Zones in Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society, for them to come together to brainstorm on issues affecting women in the society and proffer relatable ideas/solutions to aid women advancement.
She urged all the participants to use the knowledge acquired at conference judiciously and share the lesson learnt amongst friends and relations beyond the gathering.
Highlighting some of the activities aligned for the conference, the women Affairs Secretary for Lagos Zone 1, Alhaja Sidiqah Olayinka Otunbade explained that the activities for the 5th edition of the Women biennial conference included health walk, health talk on Ulcer and cervical cancer while health Screening of various health matters like eye, blood pressure, sugar level to mention but a few were also on ground for the delegates to check and know their health status.
In her presentation, Dietician Banke Ogunlana identified dietary management of ulcer, among which these are
high fibre diet decreases the risk of developing ulcer disease.
“There is a stronger association between diets high in soluble fibre and a decreased risk for developing ulcers. Foods that are high in soluble fibre include oats, psyllium husk, legumes, flax seeds, barley, nuts, and certain vegetables and fruits, such as oranges, apples, and carrots. Vitamin A may have a protective effect against the development of ulcer disease. Good sources of vitamin A include liver, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach.”
She added that Flavonoid-rich foods also helps and these kind of foods include garlic, onions, and colourful fruits and vegetables such as cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can increase acid production and exacerbate symptoms in individuals with ulcer disease.
“Alcoholic beverages can erode the protective mucosal lining along the gastrointestinal tract and lead to further inflammation and bleeding.”
To minimize symptoms, individuals with ulcer disease should avoid or limit both coffee and alcohol.
According to DTN Ogunlana, no evidence suggests that spicy or citrus foods affect ulcer disease, but some individuals do report worsening of symptoms after eating these types of foods. Therefore, It’s important to find out what works for you.
“If you notice that your symptoms get worse after eating certain foods, then limit or avoid them so you can feel your best, making sure that you don’t eliminate an entire food group.” She advised.
The four-day conference also witnessed visitation to the palace of HRH, the Adeboruwa, Igbogbo land, games, skill acquisition programmes where delegates who were outstanding were presented with worthy work tools to support their skill at the dinner session of the conference. Over hundred delegates across the branches within the Zone registered and participated at the 5th biennial conference.
Hajia Layi Muritala, a strong stakeholder from Nasfat Oyo Zone, highlighted some practical and cogent actions that can be taken by women during home financial crisis which could help manage such condition and situation. Among these are:
• Steadfastness upon Islam (avoiding debt, usury, or other means
of earning money that are impermissible)
• Offering moral support
• Engage in healthy family dialogue.Make it known you are willing to listen.
• Give charity as this brings ‘barakah’ (blessings & growth) back to the home.
• Focus on your ‘needs’, not your ’wants’.
• Look for ways to earn extra cash through halal and legal ways.
• Having a monthly budget is essential to keeping track of your financial health.
• Spend wisely and minimize your expenses.
• Do the proper maintenance on everything from your home to your
health.
• Remain positive and prayerful. God will provide as He is the All Provider. Above all as summarily stated by the Prophet (SAW), “Tie your camel and rely on Allah”.
Speaking during his opening speech, the Chairman of Nasfat Lagos Zone 1, Alh. Engr. Mustapha Alabi emphasised that the theme for this year’s women’s biennial conference is in line with the HELD policy of the society (health education livelihood and dawah). All the activities for the conference surround this policy.
“Education in Islam is prescribed for both male and female Muslims, hence, reiterating this at this conference to our women, parents especially our mothers, the importance of educating their wards.
“Not only western education but also Islamic knowledge and vice versa. Acquiring the two will go a long way in shaping and reshaping the lives of our children, even if they are somewhere we, as parents aren’t there with them.”
“They will always make us proud, as the religious knowledge will always remind them of their existence and what is expected of them as Muslims, as this knowledge will remind them that there’s a day called day of accountability and the western education in other words will help them stand tall among their peers in the area of their academic pursuit etc.”
Alhaja Otunbade however appreciated all authorities at the helms of affairs at the National, Zonal and Branch levels for their supports, the Planning Committee members, the Co-ordinator 1 & 2, the Branch executives of the host Branch (Owotu), all Branch Chairmen, Council of Elders, Mission Board, Zonal Executive Council, all dignitaries invited and present at the programme.
Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Secretary to NCOE, Alhaja Nofisat Arogundade, former National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Faoziat Oladoja, immediate past Zonal Chairman, Alh. Sheriff Akinpelu, Branch Chairman of Nasfat Owutu, Alhaji Ojuolape, Imam Misbaudeen Olawale Muali, Founder/Proprietor Millat School, immediate past Zonal women affairs Secretary, Alhaja Faosiat Somade-Idowu among others.
Delegate at the conference expressed their joy and gratitude to the lined up of activities at the conference and the Calibre of facilitators they encountered at the different sessions.