Muslim groups celebrate World Hijab Day in Lagos

A coalition of some 18 Muslim organizations held a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday to commemorate World Hijab Day 2023 with the theme ‘Progression, not Oppression’.

At the event, speakers representing the various member organizations spoke about issues that still need to be addressed, despite the progress made so far with the June 17, 2022 Supreme Court judgment in which hijabis won, and a subsequent circular from the Lagos government in this connection. .

Those who spoke included the Executive Director, Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, Mutiat Orolu-Balogun; Secretary for Women’s Affairs, Nasrul-Lahi-li-Fathi Society (NASFAT), Lagos Zone 2, Alhaja Aishat Busari; and Senior Admin Officer, Muslim Public Affairs Center (MPAC).

Executive Director, Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, said that while the hijab was enforced on Muslim women more than 1,400 years ago, “we continue to see how it is even more relevant today.”

According to Orolu-Balogun, “nudity was a distinguishing feature of pre-civilization, so modesty in dressing is progress.”

She described the hijab for Muslim women as a fulfillment of a divine commandment “which is further guaranteed by Article 38 of the 1999 Constitution.”

The Secretary for Women’s Affairs, Nasrul-Lahi-li-Fathi Society (NASFAT), Lagos Zone 2, Alhaja Aishat Busari, said the commemoration was not for celebration, but to “appreciate those who found light and despite all odds the adorn hijab” and to “encourage those who still struggle with the use of hijab.”

Busari said, “It is disheartening to know how much society welcomes and disapproves of immorality when choices are right. In this world where the urge to get naked is prevalent, let’s join hands, teachers/administrators, faith leaders and everyone else to encourage modesty and the use of hijab.”

The Senior Admin Officer of the Muslim Public Affairs Center (MPAC), Fatimah Sanni, also urged Nigerians to join the effort to “liberate our society from hatred, discrimination and intolerance.”

In her view, everyone is a winner in a society where the values ​​of equality, fairness, diversity and inclusion are promoted.