Lagos Deputy Governor Receives The Criterion, Confirms Attendance At International Conference

… 5-Day Event To Empower Muslim Women, Provide Faith-Based Solutions To Socio-Economic Challenges

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has praised The Criterion (Al-Furqan), a group of Muslim women in business and the professions, for their positive impact on society, especially their interventions in correctional centres and other humanitarian efforts.

He made the remarks on Wednesday, during a courtesy visit by the group at the Lagos State Government House, Alausa, ahead of their 13th National and 4th International Biennial Conference.

The five-day conference, themed “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Muslim Women Overcoming Economic and Social Challenges,” is scheduled to be held from Wednesday, November 12, to Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

The Deputy Governor encouraged the group to promote Islam in a positive light by highlighting the noble teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith, as well as referencing respected global views about Islam and the recognition of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the most influential personality in history.

He pledged his support and confirmed his intention to attend the event in person, assuring the group of the state government’s readiness to back their impactful initiatives.

Dr. Hamzat also encouraged the organisers to extend awareness of the conference beyond the venue, so more Muslims can benefit from the discussions and outcomes.

Group expresses appreciation The International Amirah of The Criterion and Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Alhaja Medinat Akanni, who led the high-powered delegation, expressed their appreciation for the warm reception given by the Deputy Governor.

She said the event will serve as a platform for Muslim women to exchange ideas, strengthen values, and explore practical solutions to economic and social challenges within a faith-based framework.

The conference will feature thought-provoking lectures by renowned scholars, Rural Da’wah programmes, project commissioning, students’ and Alasalatu activities, sports, and interactive networking sessions among professional Muslim women from across Nigeria and beyond.

The formal opening ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with an impressive lineup of distinguished guests and speakers, including the Deputy Governor of Lagos as a special guest of honour.

Prof. (Mrs.) Olayinka Ramota Karim, Vice Chancellor, Fountain University, Osogbo is the guest speaker, while Ustaz Dhikrullah Olakunle Hassan, Former Chairman, NAHCON, will chair the occasion, and Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, Deputy President I, MUSWEN, and Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, Chief Imam, Lekki Central Mosque, are special guests

The conference reaffirms The Criterion’s commitment to advancing the spiritual, social, and economic empowerment of Muslim women through professionalism, faith, and community service.

Also speaking, Hajia Ibironke Siddqah Ogun, Chairperson of the National Conference Planning Committee, stated, “We are delighted that one of us, the Deputy Governor, has confirmed he will grace the occasion with us. His reception was very warm and heartfelt. We are truly impressed. He really demonstrated that he is a father to all.”