The Criterion, Association of Muslim Women in Business and the Professions, successfully wrapped up its five-day 13th National and 4th International Conference, Eko Akete 2025, held at Orchid Hotel, Lagos, from November 12 to 16, 2025.
The event, which drew participants from across Nigeria and abroad, combined intellectual, spiritual, and social engagements while emphasizing the holistic empowerment of Muslim women through education, ethical parenting, and access to technology.
In a communiqué jointly signed by outgoing International Amirah, Hajia Medinat Olufunke Akanni, Esq, and the Conference Planning Chairperson, Hajia (ESV) Ibironke Siddqah Ogun (FNIVS), The Criterion reiterated the pivotal role of women in shaping morally upright and God-fearing generations. The association urged Muslim women to remain committed to nurturing responsible children as a foundational solution to societal challenges, while also stressing the importance of leveraging digital tools to enhance economic status, family stability, and national progress.
The communiqué further called for deliberate efforts to increase women’s participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, alongside the ethical use of modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). It appealed to government at all levels to provide affordable and accessible internet, particularly in rural schools, to bridge the urban-rural digital divide and ensure inclusive growth.
The conference featured a formal opening ceremony graced by prominent Muslim personalities, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who encouraged women to keep breaking societal barriers while preserving their vital roles in raising morally upright future generations. The ceremony was co-chaired by Barrister (Ustaz) Dhikrullah Olakunle Hassan, former Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, and Distinguished Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
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A major highlight of the event was the leadership transition within The Criterion. The Shurah (Consultative) Committee, headed by Hajia Mutiat Hassan, announced the dissolution of the outgoing executive body and unveiled Hajia Sakirat Omolara Shekoni, a Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), as the new International Amirah. Hajia Shekoni, who previously served as International Naibat-ul Amirah (Deputy Leader), will steer the association’s affairs for the next two administrative years.
She will be supported by Hajia Dhikrat Abiodun Matesun-Oshodi (Naibatul Amirah), Hajia Simibiat Salaudeen (National Secretary General), Hajia Monsurat Azeez (National Assistant Secretary), and other newly appointed officers across youth development, welfare, finance, legal, and public relations roles.
The Criterion reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the spiritual, educational, and socio-economic empowerment of Muslim women, pledging to continue making impactful contributions to national development under its new leadership.
