A prominent Islamic-based organisation, Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women), has trained 39 women in Ogun State in the art of shoe and bag making from locally made Adire and Ankara fabrics.
The graduation ceremony was held recently for the trainees at the Women Development Centre Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, the state capital, where they were also presented with certificates. It was learnt that the initiative was spearheaded by the Entrepreneur Office of Al-Mu’minaat Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the National Amirah of the organisation, Hajia Jelilat Abdul Hamid, said the free training was in line with the organisation’s mission to empower Muslim women and build a strong Muslim community through education and welfare projects for self-actualization and sustainable national development.
According to the Amirah, beneficiaries were thoroughly selected for the training as there were set criteria that were strictly followed. “It is with great sense of joy and achievement that we are graduating Muslim women who hitherto have suffered neglect in the scheme of things because very few people look their way for empowerment,” the Amirah said.
“We have been contributing to the advancement of women in general and Muslim women in particular for close to three decades as an organisation, thus, inching towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
This achievement will impact positively on at least five of the 17 SDGs, namely goals 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10. “It is our desire to ensure that Muslim women are empowered enough to contribute their quota to the growth and development of their families, local communities and the nation at large.
This will just be a fantasy and unattainable if we do not take the bull by the horn by offering free training to our women folks. So we “walk the talk” of development where no one is left behind.” Hajia Jelilat Abdul Hamid The National Amirah stated that the training would be replicated in other states of the country, calling for support and partnership from well-meaning individuals and organisations.
The training in Ogun State took place in two centers, both in Abeokuta, the state capital, and Ijebu-Ode, between 6th and 16th August , 2024. Hajia Abdul Hamid congratulated the graduands, noting they would serve as trainers to other women.
“We thank the Rector of the Women Development Centre Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, Ogun State for making the facility available for the training at Abeokuta and all donors who have supported us in cash and in kind. JazakumuLlahu Khaeran Jazaa,” she added.
Representative of the Deputy Director, Mrs Khadijah Ahmed leading other guests to inspect some the Adire, Ankara made products Journey to financial independence starts with skills acquisition: Hajia AbdusSatar In her keynote speech titled ‘Financial Independence through Skill Empowerment’, the Director of Education, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Hajia Aminah AbdusSatar said the journey to financial independence starts with the acquisition of relevant and marketable skills.
According to her, “we live in a world where skills are the currency of success. “You women who have learned the beautiful and traditional craft of making Adire and Ankara bags, now hold that currency in your hands.
Adire and Ankara are not just fabrics; they are a testament to African heritage, identity, and creativity. By mastering the art of transforming these fabrics into fashionable, functional bags, you have not only preserved a rich cultural tradition but also unlocked the door to financial freedom.