Ahead of its 14th Annual National Conference, Women in Da’awa, a Muslim group, called for the restructuring of the Almajiri system of education in tune with current realities on ground.
The group also called for concerted efforts at addressing the number of challenges facing the country.
National president of the group, Maryam Idris-Othman, made the appeal at a press briefing in Kaduna on activities lined up for the conference, which was expected to be attended by the First Lady Hajiya Aisha Buhari and wives of state governors.
“We call on government at all levels to intensify concerted effort in addressing challenges threatening our communities, rekindling hope in the populace and providing opportunities to actualize them.
“We especially call for the restructuring of almajiri schools, to give all children a chance in living purposeful lives.
“We call on citizens to fulfil their obligations to Allah in word and deed by imbibing noble citizenship values, excellent communal relations, community development and contributing to the betterment of their own societies.
“As Muslims we are expected to be shining examples in doing good and enjoining it. We should revive that,” she said.
She also urged Nigerians “to connect with their purpose in life, commit to individual and collective contribution to the betterment of society and inspire and symbolize positive change for the betterment and empowerment of our future generations.”
On the three-day conference, Idris-Othman said it will showcase lectures, discussions, meetings and a youth session.
Among scholars scheduled to participate are: Dr Muhammad Sulaiman-Jos, Dr Bashir Umar-Aliyu, Sheikh Muhammad Bn Uthman and many other clergies.
Some of the topics that will be analysed include; Reconnecting with Allah through our actions – a guide for Muslims; The Almajiri phenomenon in Northern Nigeria and the burden of society; Institutionalizing Zakkah and Waqf as social safety nets for the Ummah.
She said that the conference will begin on Saturday in Kaduna with Malam Nasir El-Rufai as chief host while the guest speaker, Dr Abubakar Sani Birnin Kudu will present a lecture entitled, ‘A Retrospective Assessment of Excessive Ritualization of the Islamic Message and its Direct Link to the Present State of the Ummah in Nigeria.’
Women in Da’awah is an umbrella group of Muslim Women Organisations involved in education, enlightenment, outreach, empowerment and advocacy on women and general family issues in Nigeria.
It is a registered organisation established in 2003 with the overall goal of ensuring the spiritual, moral, economic and psycho-social well-being of members and the entire community.
It has grown in the last 13 years and now has chapters in eighteen states of the federation.
