Ogun PDP deputy governorship candidate calls for unity among muslim women

By Taiwo Scholarstica

The 2027 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State, Dr Lateefah Sowunmi-Kolapo, has called on Muslim women to work together across political, professional and organisational boundaries to address social challenges and promote stronger families.

Sowunmi-Kolapo made the call while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural summit of the Egba Muslim Women Forum held in Abeokuta on Sunday.

The summit, themed, “Mothers, Unity and Community Service: Nurturing Strong Families, Building Vibrant Communities,” brought together the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Islamic scholars, traditional leaders, women representatives and members of various Muslim organisations in Egbaland.

The PDP deputy governorship candidate said the forum should serve as a platform for Muslim women to collaborate on issues affecting families and communities, rather than becoming another association divided by political or organisational interests.

She identified drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, weakening family values, economic hardship and the negative influence of social media as some of the challenges confronting families and young people.

Sowunmi-Kolapo stressed that mothers have an important role to play in shaping the character of children and preparing them to become responsible members of society.

“Today, our homes face enormous challenges, including drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, weakening family values, the negative influence of social media and economic hardship.”

She urged the newly inaugurated forum to promote family counselling, youth mentorship, humanitarian support and leadership development, while encouraging Muslim women to take an active interest in community affairs.

According to her, women should also participate in discussions on public policies, accountability and good governance, while supporting competent individuals capable of making positive contributions to society.

She further encouraged the group to provide opportunities for women to contribute to sectors such as education, healthcare, public service and entrepreneurship.

Declaring the summit open, Salako-Oyedele described the gathering as an important step towards strengthening cooperation among Muslim women in Egbaland.

She also urged the women to set aside differences and focus on collective efforts, noting that greater progress could be achieved when individuals work together towards a common goal.

The summit ended with a renewed call for stronger cooperation among Muslim women and greater involvement in initiatives aimed at improving families and communities across Ogun State.