Akure Chief Imam, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, has urged Nigerians to properly understand gender roles from the Islamic perspective, stressing that there is no basis for rivalry between men and women as God has clearly defined the responsibilities of both genders.
He spoke in an exclusive interview on Friday during the formal opening of the 34th Annual Youth Camp of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Southwest Zone, held in Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The cleric maintained that women serve as strong support for men, but should not be drawn into unnecessary competition with them.
He saidbthat each gender has unique responsibilities that the other cannot effectively perform.
His words, “The man is the head of the family. It is his duty to work and provide for his wife and children. Whatever he brings home is what the wife uses to take care of the family.
“It is not the wife’s duty to be the breadwinner but that of her husband. Wherever you find a man staying at home while his wife fends for the family, such a man has turned the natural order upside down.”
Noting that nothing prevents women from participating in governance, the cleric stressed that government can assign them roles best suited for their capabilities.
Earlier in his address, the Chief Imam urged participants to prioritise service to God, noting that divine strength is given to those committed to His work.
He also admonished them to embrace humility, which he described as the key to greatness and success, adding that pride leads to destruction while God elevates the humble.
“I congratulate you for being here. Focus on the purpose of this programme and keep in mind everything you learn, as it will always be useful to you,” he said.
Guest speaker at the event, Barrister Olamide Muhammad, speaking on the topic “Empowered Voices, Greener Choices,” said the world is at a pivotal crossroads and the decisions taken today will determine the future for generations to come.
She said today’s youths not only hold the keys to the future but also bear the responsibility of driving critical change, especially in sustainability.
According to her, empowering them with the right tools, knowledge, mindset and actions is essential for effective leadership towards a sustainable future.
Muhammad defined empowerment as giving individuals and communities the confidence and means to speak out, influence decisions, and advocate for change, while disempowerment occurs when the priorities and needs of men and women are ignored.
“Empowering voices means granting people the opportunity to express themselves, be heard, and contribute meaningfully to the society. Everyone has a unique perspective and a vital piece to the puzzle in building a better, sustainable future,” she said.
She lamented that lack of empowerment has fuelled societal vices, stressing that changing the narrative is a collective responsibility where everyone has a role to play.
Coordinator of FOMWAN Southwest Zone, including Kwara State, Alhaja Sariyu Olaoye, said the essence of the camp is to provide a platform for elders to mentor the younger generation into becoming responsible citizens.
She decried societal decay and emphasised that quality education for girls remains a potent tool for national development.
“In the Qur’an, it is stated that when you train a girl child, you have trained a nation. They will be useful to their husbands, the society, and be well-equipped to play critical roles in nation-building,” she said.
Also speaking, the Ameerah of FOMWAN in Ondo State, Alhaja Medinat Omikunle, said the programme is aimed at empowering girls to become responsible adults, adding that each participant has the potential to turn current challenges into opportunities for a brighter future.
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