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Sisters Urged to Anchor Their Hearts in Allah at MSSNUI Seminar

Sisters have been urged to strengthen their relationship with Allah, uphold good character and modesty, and navigate university life with unwavering faith and Islamic values.

The call was made at the Sisters’ Seminar organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI), on Sunday, 23 August, 2026, at the Prof. Musa Oladipupo Abdul Civic Centre, University of Ibadan Central Mosque.

The seminar, held exclusively for female participants, was themed “Aethel Ethos.”

While delivering the keynote, Sideeqah Tunde-Lawal Esq. urged sisters to draw closer to Allah while navigating university life with good character and modesty.

“Let your character mention your name in places. Let your modesty be your strength and let your character be your signature,” she said.

She further encouraged the sisters to emulate exemplary Muslim women, citing Aisha (R.A.) as an example.

The health session was delivered by Dr. Shakirah Olanlege, who spoke on “HPV Unmasked” and highlighted the connection between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.

“HPV is so important because it is associated with cervical cancer,” she said.

She explained that HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and advised participants to remain faithful to one partner.

She also urged mothers present to educate their sons about HPV and its prevention, saying, “Sensitise the males on HPV and how to avoid contracting it.”

Highlighting the primary and secondary methods of prevention, she stated that, “The primary prevention is getting the vaccine, while the secondary prevention is getting tested.”

She identified abstinence and faithfulness to one partner as preventive measures against HPV, while noting that condoms could be used where one partner is already infected.

She repeatedly emphasised abstinence and encouraged participants to refrain from illicit sexual activities.

The relationship session was delivered by Mrs. Basirat Aderibigbe Adejare, who began with an opening dua before introducing the topic “The Anchored Heart.”

She urged the sisters to strengthen their relationship with Allah, describing an anchored heart as one characterised by firm trust and tawakkul in Him.

“Before you go to anybody, go to Allah. Let Allah be your be-all,” she said, adding that believers should remember that Allah knows everything and find comfort in His remembrance.

She further encouraged patience and healthy relationships among the sisters, urging them to avoid grudges and physical fights.

“Be a sister that is too pretty to be petty, Al-Jannah is the goal,” she said, while advising the sisters to choose their circles correctly.

Speaking on marriage and family, she urged mothers and sisters to teach their sons the same lessons they teach their daughters and reminded the sisters not to compromise their Islamic standards for a man.

“You are a rare gem; anybody that is interested in you should follow the right path,” she said.

She concluded by urging the sisters to choose wisely, avoid being alone with men, read the Qur’an and its translation daily, and seek Allah’s forgiveness whenever they fall into wrongdoing.

The panel session, themed “The Unscripted Self,” followed, with the citations of the panelists, Dr. Yusuf Banke Idayat, Mrs. Khadijah Ajeigbe, Mrs. Rahmatullahi Ejide Abass and Engr. Udaybah Abdulwasiu, read by Kaothar Abdulkareem.

Speaking on self-discovery, Mrs. Rahmatullahi Ejide Abass urged the sisters to understand themselves and recognise that each person has a unique journey.

“This is the time you have to figure out who you are,” she said.

Mrs. Khadijah Ajeigbe encouraged the sisters to accept Qadar and pray Istikharah, noting that “we are Muslims and we are limited because we are guided by principles.”

Dr. Idayat Banke Yusuf described an unscripted self as “being real and not being a pretence,” stressing that knowing one’s Creator is essential to self-discovery.

“Self-discovery is important; know yourself,” she added.

The Business Spotlight session followed, with Mrs. Khadijah Ajeigbe serving as the moderator.

Five sisters who had been selected after the screening round were given the opportunity to showcase their businesses, although only four of the selected participants were present for the presentations.

Cravory Crest emerged as the winner of the Business Spotlight session.

Other sisters who pitched their businesses were Hafsy Upright, Site Haus, and Bisluv Cakes.

Ayoka Eleso, who was also selected for the session, was unable to present because of her absence.

Mrs. Khodijah Ajeigbe also pitched her business, describing the session as an opportunity to showcase her venture.

The seminar also featured the presentation of awards to sisters who had distinguished themselves in various fields.

Khadijah Shonibare received the Award of Academic Excellence, while Halimah Lawal was recognised for Public Speaking.

Muhsinah Sarafadeen received the Social Impact Award, while Mariam Sanni, founder of Mas Confectionary, received the Best Entrepreneur Award.

Aakifah Dokpesi received the Award for Creativity, while Hannat Adebola Salawu received the Award for Technology.

The Award for Journalism was presented to Wahidah Kosefobamu.