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Eternal echoes: Hall full to the brim as MSSN UI holds sisters' seminar

It was an eye-catching event and a full house as Muslimahs from different walks gathered together on Sunday, 18th February 2024, at the Islamic Centre, University of Ibadan to educate, motivate, and strengthen the bond of sisterhood in Islam.

The theme of the event was “Eternal Echoes” and it was concisely addressed by the Keynote Speaker, Mrs Aminat Akinyemi (Director of Academic Program Robotics and Artificial Intelligence).

While delivering the speech, she defined eternal echoes as the basis of the human desire to belong. She said, “The first step in achieving eternal echoes is to establish a very close relationship with Almighty Allah which should be followed by seeking the right knowledge. It is also necessary to build one’s self-esteem and confidence as they are very important to stand out in society”.

She further advised sisters not to get too comfortable with their weaknesses and to always build positive affirmations around themselves, and concluded by sighting successful women in Islam such as Khadijah bint Khuwaylid and Aishah bint Abubakr as sources of inspiration.

The Health Talk by Dr Rasheedat Adeoti focused on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). She defined PCOS as the condition in which the ovary produces an abnormal level of androgen (male sex hormones). The common symptoms are ovarian cyst, excess hair growth, and irregular periods amongst others. She also mentioned that PCOS is a female disease and it can be inherited from the mother. She however concluded that the treatment depends on one’s wish to become pregnant.

The relationship talk was done by Mrs Basheerah Sulaimon. In her words, “Love is not for boys and girls, it’s for mature minds. To the singles, look well before leap, and to the married, marriage involves sacrifice. Though, not the one that will take your life. All in all, be very prayerful when choosing a partner.”

Another interesting session was the Panel session featuring Mrs Aminat Akinyemi-Ayoola (Director of Academic Program Robotics and Artificial Intelligence), Lateefat Adewumi Jum’ah (Laj fingers), Sherifah Yunus-Olokodana (CEO of SMD), Dr Suliat Abdullah (Lecturer at Fountain University), Miss Hibatullah Dairo Kehinde (CEO of StichedbyHibah).

One of the panelists, Mrs. Lateefah Adewumi Jum’ah (Laj fingers), emphasized on the beauty of working remotely as a Muslimah. In her words, “Working remotely saves you from harassment and stigmatization often faced by the Muslimah from the outside world”.

Another panelist, Sherifah Yunus-Olokodana (CEO of SMD), accentuated on ways to build one’s brand in halaal ways. She said, “While creating your brand, use the money to make money i.e run ads, learn how to work with non Muslims, employ extra hands when needed and be being consistent and prayerful in your dealings.”

Also one of the panelists, Dr Suliat Abdullah (Lecturer at Fountain University) encouraged Muslimahs to always represent Islam in every situation they find themselves. She further emphasized the fact that not everyone can work and will work remotely.

Mrs Hibatullah Dairo, during the panel session, emphasized on the importance of being unique as a brand. In her words, she said, “As a person, you have to always represent your brand as people should see your brand through you”. She also emphasized moving with like-minded individuals. She concluded by advising Muslimahs on the importance of evolving Islamically so as to be able to stand out in society.

The panel session was followed by the presentation of awards to all the panelists and the most outstanding students in different fields.

In attendance were Prof. Hamdalah Olaniyan, Prof. Abaoba, and Ameerah of different institutions among other notable personalities.

The program ended with a Kahoot session and the person named “Babe” emerged as the winner.