Chief Executive and National Chief Imam of Al Habibiya Islamic Society (AIS), Fuhad Adeyemi, has urged women not to be deterred by the challenges they may encounter in life, but rather confront such by defying the odds to reach their desired goals.
Imam Adeyemi gave the advice at the presentation of two books: ‘Unstoppable Ovai: A True Life Story of Resilience in Education’ and ‘My Prophet’s Way of Life: Noble Character for Children to Emulate,’ written by Hajiya Halima Salawu Obomi, which also coincided with her birthday and retirement from the civil service.
Represented by Ambassador Ridhwan Adebayo Mustapha, the cleric said the author’s story in, ‘Unstoppable Ovai: A True Life Story of Resilience in Education’ revealed what women can become when they defy all odds that could be stumbling blocks on their way to the top.
He particularly charged young women and girls to see Hajiya Obomi’s career progression as an encouragement to face their personal, educational and professional lives, adding that difficult circumstances should not in anyway prevent anyone from pursuing greater heights.
‘What she has done is a challenge to all women not to give up on themselves, but strive for greater heights in whatever situation they find themselves,’ he said.
Commenting on the second book: ‘My Prophet’s Way of Life: Noble Character for Children to Emulate’ Adeyemi said the publication will promote good character, reduce corruption and curb other social vices in society, as it also addressed fundamental issues relating to family, community and the society at large.
He added: ‘If we can get this book read by our children, it may not happen in our own lifetime, but the children that are coming will be more behaved. All these evil things happening in our society will be reduced and everybody will live in peace.’
Also speaking, Professor Abdulhamid Suleiman, urged young women to remain committed to learning and self development irrespective of their background or any obstacles they may pass through.
According to the don, the author’s journey from a humble background to a successful professional career demonstrated the importance of determination, education and perseverance.
The author, in her remarks, charged young people to remain hardworking and be committed to making positive contributions to society while adding that her personal experiences inspired her to write the books, with the hope that her story would motivate younger generations and help them overcome difficult circumstances.
‘People should be hardworking. Even if the money is not there, the reward is there, here or thereafter. You should put all your efforts into making sure that you do your own best in life.
‘I thought of the younger ones, that my story is something that can change their lives too. So I decided to put it out there so that the children can learn, the youth can learn and move on with life. There’s no condition that is permanent,’ Hajiya Obomi said.
The occasion was attended by family members, friends, colleagues who extolled the virtues of the author as she called it quit with public service and opened another chapter of her life in retirement.