The Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, Abuja, has empowered widows, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and unemployed young Nigerians, praying for the nation to overcome food insecurity and other challenges facing the country.
The empowerment was disclosed, Saturday in Abuja by the founder of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, Imam (Dr.) Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan, during the 8th Annual Ramadan Lecture 1446AH and Special Prayers for the Nation, with the theme: “Ramadan lessons on food security: Building Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth and national development”.
Speaking at the event, Aliagan said the aforementioned categories of beneficiaries will be trained and empowered to stand on their own.
“We are going to empower four categories of people in this hall today. The widows will be trained and empowered. When you train somebody, you are directly empowering him or her. So, we’re going to train and empower widows.
“We’ll empower Almajiris. We are going to train and empower as much as possible. We are going to train and empower people with disabilities and young unemployed Nigerians. We pray that Allah will make this happen more than the way we expected,” he said.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Occasion and Director General National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Deputy Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Audu Ayuba Mayo, encouraged Nigerians to embrace practices that enhance food security, from supporting local farmers to adopting responsible consumption habits.
He urged religious and community leaders to continue advocating for policies that uplift the vulnerable and ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
He said: “This blessed occasion of the Ramadan lecture, focusing on food security, is a matter of great importance to our nation and humanity at large.
“The National Orientation Agency (NOA) is committed to fostering national unity, promoting civic responsibility, and enlightening Nigerians on critical socio-economic issues. Food security is not just an economic or agricultural concern; it is a fundamental aspect of national development and social stability. A well-nourished society is a productive one, and ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food is essential for national growth and peace.
“Ramadan teaches us the values of compassion, sacrifice, and community support. As we fast, we are reminded of the plight of those who go hungry daily—not by choice, but due to food scarcity, poverty, and economic challenges. This calls for collective action from all sectors—government, religious institutions, private organizations, and individuals—to promote sustainable agricultural practices, reduce food waste, and support policies that guarantee food sufficiency for all Nigerians.
“The NOA stands firm in its mandate to educate and mobilize Nigerians towards behavioral change and national development. We encourage every citizen to embrace practices that enhance food security, from supporting local farmers to adopting responsible consumption habits. Additionally, we urge religious and community leaders to continue advocating for policies that uplift the vulnerable and ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
“As we reflect during this holy month, let us renew our commitment to building a nation where no one is left behind. May Allah (SWT) bless our efforts, grant us wisdom in leadership, and strengthen our resolve to achieve food security for all.”
Also speaking, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by CSP Faruk U. Dange, said there is need for the involvement of the youth in food security, adding that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
He implored Nigerians to provide information to security agencies in order to combat crime, even as he solicited support for security agencies in the form of prayers during Ramadan.
Earlier in his presentation, a retired director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Oyeleke Rasaq, advised Nigerians to grow their own food in order to ensure food security.