By Amidat shittu
The historic city of Badagry, Lagos State, came alive as it hosted the 18th edition of the NASFAT Youth Conference, tagged EKO2025 a gathering that powerfully blended faith, innovation, and youth development. With the theme “Global Citizenship through the Lens of Faith: Connecting Local Action to Global Outcomes,” the conference began on a solemn note with opening prayers by Imam Salman Shafi’i Akalanbi and a Qur’an recitation by Imam Aseeb Yusuf Harosophy.
The event was officially declared open by the representative of the NASFAT president, in present of the Vice President 1, Alhaji Kamar Olawuyi who emphasized the need to nurture globally conscious Muslim youth grounded in Islamic values and prepared to lead with purpose in an interconnected world.
In his welcome address, Bro. Olasupo Tajudeen Olalekan, NASFAT’s National Youth Secretary (Amir), issued a stirring call to action. He urged young Muslims to embrace their dual identity as both local changemakers and global citizens. He noted that faith and innovation must work hand in hand to address pressing global issues such as climate change, social inequality, and digital disruption. As a practical example, he highlighted the conference’s spotlight on soilless farming an initiative designed to equip young Muslims with sustainable agricultural skills. This innovation, he noted, will be introduced in secondary schools globally to cultivate resilience and self-reliance.
The Amir emphasized that this year’s theme was deliberately chosen to awaken a deep sense of moral responsibility, inspiring youth to think globally while acting locally.
Representing NASFAT President Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulwahid AbdulRauf, the Vice President 1, Alhaji Kamar Olawuyi, delivered the keynote address. He challenged the youth to rise beyond passive participation and embrace leadership rooted in moral integrity. Describing Badagry as a city rich in history and ideal for reflection, he positioned Lagos and Nigeria as launchpads for raising a new generation of globally minded Muslim leaders. Citing Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), he reminded participants that diversity is a divine gift meant to foster understanding, not division. He also referenced a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW): “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others,” underscoring that true impact lies in service, not status.
His closing message to the youth was clear: lead with purpose, think beyond borders, serve with compassion, and anchor all actions in faith principles he described as pillars of authentic Muslim leadership.
A series of goodwill messages further reinforced the conference’s core message. Alhaji Olasupo AbdulLateef, BOT Chairman, reminded the youth that globalization starts with strong local roots. He encouraged them to uphold excellence and consistency, noting that lasting success begins with vision. Alhaji Yunus Olalekan Saliu of the National Council of Elders commended the youth for addressing current global challenges through an Islamic worldview. Quoting the Prophet (SAW)’s analogy of believers as one body, he called for unity, empathy, and purposeful leadership: “Mentor a child, feed the hungry, advocate for justice, and lead with integrity.”
Hajia Kafayat Oyewo echoed this sentiment, warning against equating global citizenship with travel or status. From an Islamic perspective, she said, being a global citizen means embodying responsibility for humanity and the planet. Quoting Surah An-Nisa (4:135), she emphasized the need for unshakable commitment to justice and ethical leadership. She also referenced Qur’an 2:60 to warn against environmental degradation and societal decay, urging youth to be principled change agents.
As the formal opening came to a close, Mallam Idris Nojeemedeen, Head of Da’wah, offered a heartfelt prayer, asking Allah to guide the deliberations and inspire real-world impact from the gathering.
With participants including scholars, dignitaries, and youth from across Nigeria and beyond, EKO2025 is clearly more than a conference it is a faith driven movement for global transformation. Rooted in Islamic values and powered by innovation, the event stands as a defining moment for Muslim youth ready to shape the world with courage, compassion, and conviction. For many, Badagry will be remembered as the birthplace of a new chapter of purposeful global engagement.
