By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, (NUDS) National Women’s Wing has said it will establish an orphanage and a vocational center for widows in Ilorin, Kwara capital.
Alhaja Muibat Aribidesi, the National Chairperson of the NUDS Women’s Wing, stated this in Ilorin during her address at the 2nd National Mothers’ Day and Award presentation organized by the association.
The theme of the programme was entitled: “Celebrating Mothers in Islam”.
She stated that the event was aimed at raising funds for a Muslim Orphanage home and a Vocational Center for widows and less privileged individuals.
According to her, the National Mothers’ Day celebration recognised the invaluable contributions of mothers to the Islamic community and society.
She described devoted mothers as women who give most and all their time, efforts, money and resources for their children’s upbringing.
“As a mother, it is important we understand the generation our children belongs and their characteristics as our roles does not change irrespective to our generation.
“A number of issues we have today starts from the home. A well brought up child makes the family proud and goes to the society to transform the society for better,” she said.
Aribidesi quoted the Holy Prophet Muhammad as saying that: “A mother is a school. If she is well versed, the whole family will be well versed”.
Also speaking, the National President, Alhaji Rasheed Yusuf, said the global community through the United Nations Organizations has placed great values on Motherhood for their immense contributions to human development.
He commended the women for their efforts and spiritual roles on shaping the younger ones from cradle till adulthood.
The President encouraged the NUDS 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.
Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Maigori, the Seniour Special Adviser on Islamic Affairs matter Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara called on parents to be role models for their children.
Dan-Maigoro who represented the governor observed that women deserved to be empowered in various appointments of governance.
He also advised mothers to be careful and monitor thier children against the negative influence of social media.
In her lecture, Prof. Mulkah Ahmed, of the Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, emphasised the crucial role of mothers in shaping the lives of their children, families and society as a whole.
Her presentation was entitled: “Generational Influence: Unveiling the Power of a Devoted Mother.”
She pointed out that mothers hold a prestigious and honourable position in Islam.
Ahmed tasks mothers on raising righteous generation, saying that children must be entrenched in ethical and moral upbringing in knowing the difference between right and wrong.
She said teaching of Islamic education and moral must start from the home, adding there must emotional support and comfort for children to thrive.
The don also warned mothers against cursing their children whenever they do wrong, adding that what is recommended by the prophet of Islam is prayers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the event includes presentation of awards to women who have contributed to society.
Some of those honoured includes the wife of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaja Rafat Sulu-Gambari, Ambassador Nimota Akanbi, the former envoy to Netherlands, and Dr Saka Ayinke, the former Kwara Commissioner for Health.
