OSOGBO, Nigeria — The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) is making a concerted effort to ensure its long-term viability by prioritizing succession planning. This was the central theme of the 2025 NASFAT Strategic Retreat, held at Fountain University in Osogbo, which brought together a wide range of the society’s leaders.
Grooming the Next Generation of Leaders
The call to action was initiated by Brother Niyi Yusuf, chairman of the retreat committee, who stressed the importance of deliberately grooming future leaders to ensure the organization’s continued strength. “We are here to chart a new course for NASFAT with a five-year actionable plan,” Yusuf stated. “A major priority is succession—handing over leadership to the youth who are vibrant, committed, and trailblazers.”
This sentiment was echoed by the National Youth Secretary, Brother Tajudeen Olasupo, who affirmed the youth’s readiness to “take the mantle,” citing years of dedicated training and capacity-building programs.
Fostering Bold Contributions and Long-Term Vision
In his welcome address, NASFAT Vice President 1, Alhaji Engr. Kamaldeen Olawuyi, encouraged participants to contribute freely, while President Alhaji Abdul Waheed Ayodeji Abdul Rauf described the event as both “soulful and strategic,” urging delegates to focus on the future rather than being guided by sentiment.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji Dr. Abdul Lateef Wale Olasupo, appealed for energetic contributions, reminding the assembly that the next three decades will be demanding. “The next three decades will be demanding, and energetic contributions are needed to achieve the society’s long-term vision,” he said.
An Academic and Financial Perspective
Professor Ramat Olayinka Kareem, the Vice Chancellor of Fountain University, provided an academic perspective. She highlighted the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also possess strong spiritual, moral, and physical foundations. This comprehensive approach, she explained, is designed to equip them for dawah (the act of inviting others to Islam) and service to humanity.
The retreat also addressed financial sustainability. Alhaji Yunus Olalekan Saliu, Chairman of the Council of Elders, advocated for stronger financial collaboration among zones and branches. He also proposed that the retreat’s principles be replicated at the zonal and branch levels to ensure a broader understanding and buy-in from all members.
The retreat convened a diverse group of leaders, including the Board of Trustees, National Executive Council, Council of Elders, Women’s and Youth Wings, as well as branch and zonal leaders. Their collective goal was to deliberate on strategies to reposition NASFAT as a leading global Islamic organization over the next 30 years.
