By Amidat Shittu
In a powerful blend of spirituality, leadership and civic responsibility, hundreds of Muslim youths from across Nigeria and the diaspora converged in Badagry for the 18th Annual National Youth Conference of Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), which held from June 12 to 15, 2025. The event, tagged EKO ’25, turned the quiet coastal community of Whedakoh in Badagry into a hub of purposeful energy, communal spirit, and faith driven development.
Themed “Global Citizenship Through the Lens of Faith: Connecting Local Actions to Global Outcomes”, the conference reflected NASFAT’s ongoing commitment to raising a generation of morally grounded, socially responsible youth. The event kicked off with a free medical outreach in the Idale Whedakoh community, spearheaded by the Health Sub Committee of the Conference Technical Committee and supported by the youth leadership, CPC and LOC. The outreach, which addressed critical health needs in the underserved community, earned praise from NASFAT’s National President, Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulWahid AbdulRauf, who hailed the initiative as a shining example of faith translated into impact.
“This is what it means to live our values,” AbdulRauf said. “Our youth are leading from the front this is Islam in action.”
The spiritual essence of the program was further emphasized by NASFAT’s Chief Missioner, Imam Maroofdeen AbdulAzeez Onike, who led prayers for the volunteers and charged the youth to remain anchored in the teachings of Islam. “Leadership is not a title; it is found in acts of integrity, service and compassion,” he said.
An intergenerational highlight came during the royal visit to the Akran of Badagry by the NASFAT Youth leadership and local organizing committee. The engagement was not just ceremonial it cemented the conference’s deep connection to the host community, symbolizing mutual respect and cultural integration
The conference venue, the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) in Topo, became a buzzing enclave of inspiration as waves of delegates arrived from all parts of the country. A meticulous accreditation process by the Central Planning Committee ensured that delegates, regardless of the hour of their arrival, were received with warmth and efficiency. “Even though we arrived late from Kano, the hospitality was overwhelming,” one attendee shared. “It felt like coming home.”
The opening ceremony, marked by powerful prayers and recitations of the holy Quran, was officially declared open on behalf of the NASFAT President by Vice President I, Alhaji Kamar Olawuyi. Quoting from Surah Al-Hujurat, he urged the youth to see their identities as Muslims as a tool to engage with global issues. “You are more than just citizens of your local communities; you are part of a global Ummah. Lead with faith and wisdom.”
Brother Olasupo Tajudeen Olalekan, the National Youth (Amir), stressed the need for Muslim youths to embrace leadership grounded in Islamic ethics. “It begins with local action,” he said, citing the society’s plan to introduce soilless farming into secondary schools as a faith based solution to global food insecurity. According to him, faith should be a driver of innovation and advocacy especially in matters like climate change and digital justice.
The event climaxed with the presentation of gifts to esteemed dignitaries and dedicated supporters whose unwavering contributions played a pivotal role in the success of the gathering. The occasion was a celebration of community spirit and cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of faith, gratitude, and collective effort in achieving shared milestones.
In a thematic lectures addressing critical issues such as financial literacy, immigration awareness and the perils of human trafficking. Seasoned professionals and advocacy groups took the stage to educate, warning especially young people about the risks of irregular migration and offering guidance on safe, legal alternatives. The engaging sessions also emphasized the importance of smart financial planning as a tool for personal and communal growth and at the end they give room for questions and proper answers were given to the delegates.
The attendees were lectured on Islamic principles of halal and haram in daily life,skin care for Muslim women , There were competitions like Qur’an recitation and interactive platforms such as Sisters Night and Brothers Night spaces for engagement, reflection and cultural expression.
On Saturday morning , a community cleaning initiative took center stage. Despite an unexpected downpour, hundreds of participants took up brooms, shovels, and waste bags to clean ASCON surrounding areas in Topo. The current wave of socially conscious and spiritually grounded youth ensures that the spirit of NASFAT remains both vibrant and visionary. The event signified more than just sanitation it was a spiritual rite of passage for a generation determined to lead with faith and purpose.
Following a successful sanitation exercise, the atmosphere transformed into one of deep spirituality as special prayers and soulful Asalatu renditions filled the air. The morning session, anchored by NHOD and dawah theme, drew the delegates and guests into a reflective and solemn mood underscoring the platform’s commitment to blending civic responsibility with faith based engagement.
High profile figures, including NASFAT National Amirah Sister Adeleke Mmu-Kyar, Brother Olasupo Tajudeen Olalekan, NASFAT’s National Youth (Amir) , National General Secretary Brother Adeyinka Abdulhakeem and past leaders such as former Amirah Hajia Kafayat Oyewo and High Chief Ismail Ajayi, joined the exercise, reflecting NASFAT’s long standing culture of leadership by example.
The Singles and Marriage Connect segment offered a safe space for open conversations about love, relationships and Islamic values. The counseling sessions were deeply personal with certified professionals addressing mental health, career direction, and spiritual identity.
One of the more sobering moments came during the Immigration and Human Trafficking session, where speakers from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) highlighted the dangers of irregular migration and the role faith based communities can play in protecting vulnerable youth.
As the curtain gradually drew on the third day of the event, During a memorable Dinner and Awards Night. The evening served as a heartfelt tribute to the selfless individuals whose dedication and commitment have sustained the organization’s mission over the years blending appreciation with celebration in a fitting finale to the impactful programme.
In all, NASFAT’s 18th National Youth Conference proved to be more than just an annual gathering it was a movement in motion. With strong spiritual grounding, social relevance and a proactive leadership structure, the youth wing of NASFAT is carving a new path for Muslim engagement in Nigeria. It is no longer enough to preach; as EKO ’25 has shown, it is now time to act, innovate and lead.
