PEACE Magazine Hosts Maiden Honour Roll Ceremony in Abuja

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The PEACE Magazine hosted its first Honour Rolls Ceremony at the Nigerian Society of Engineers Auditorium in Abuja, gathering an esteemed audience to honour twenty-two exceptional young Muslim women. Themed “Celebrating Intelligent Brains under the Veil,” this pioneering event recognized these brilliant graduates not only for their academic achievements but also for their dedication to Islamic values, modesty, and leadership.

The event opened with remarks from Malam Murtala Aliyu, FNIQS, Grand Patron of PEACE Magazine, who emphasized the magazine’s mission to promote Islamic values through education and advocacy. “Today, we recognize not only academic excellence but also the grace and dignity with which these young women carry themselves,” he said, expressing PEACE Magazine’s vision for a future where Muslim women lead with both knowledge and purpose.

The Chair of the occasion, Professor Yusuf Ali, SAN, represented by Alhaji Abdulrasheed Usman, encouraged the honorees to continue pursuing their aspirations with confidence. Ali expressed that the initiative would serve as an enduring inspiration for young women across Nigeria.

A highlight of the ceremony was a lecture delivered by Professor Usman Muhammad Shu’aib (Zunnurain), the distinguished Director of the International Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance at Bayero University, Kano. Professor Shu’aib’s expertise provided a powerful backdrop for the celebration, linking the values of Islamic knowledge and financial empowerment with the achievements of these graduates. His lecture underscored the critical role of education in fostering economic and social growth, particularly within the Muslim community, and emphasized the graduates’ potential to become transformative leaders in their fields.

The ceremony was enriched by a special performance from Fou’ad Lababidi Islamic Academy, where students delivered a recital that left the audience captivated, adding a spiritual depth to the proceedings. Additionally, one of the honourees, Safiyyah Adam Muhammad, recited verses from the Qur’an, mesmerizing attendees with her heartfelt delivery.

In a moving address, honouree Oha Ijeoma Sylverlene Zainab took to the stage and expressed her gratitude in a speech that resonated deeply with the audience. She began with an Islamic greeting, “Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu” (Peace be upon you), and extended her thanks to Allah and the organizers of the event, reflecting on the significance of the gathering as both a celebration and a moment of inspiration.

Quoting from the Qur’an, she shared verses that underscored gratitude and purpose, such as Suratul An-nahl verse 53, “And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah” (Quran, 16:53). She reminded her peers and the audience of the power of faith in strengthening identity and ambition. “As Muslim women, we proudly wear our hijabs as symbols of faith, modesty, and identity,” she stated. Zainab’s words reflected the event’s theme, as she celebrated her fellow honorees’ ability to balance academics, faith, and community responsibilities.

In line with its objectives to celebrate excellence, encourage modesty, and foster leadership, PEACE Magazine honoured these young women for embodying the highest standards of academic and moral achievement. A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of Dr. Hajara Muhammad Tom, who earned thirteen academic awards in Medicine and Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She spoke passionately about embracing one’s identity and excelling without compromise, encouraging young girls to remain steadfast in their goals.

In her keynote address, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, PhD, addressed the stereotypes surrounding hijab-wearing women, stating, “Today we celebrate intelligent brains under the veils. When you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation.” Baju called on parents to provide equal educational opportunities for girls, asserting that such investments would yield remarkable results.

She emphasized that these young women are breaking barriers and setting a new standard in leadership and academic excellence, showcasing that modesty is not a limitation but a strength.

The event attracted a distinguished array of dignitaries and notable personalities, including Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria; Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim, Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo; Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, Vice-Chancellor of Nassarawa State University; and Alhaja Muibat F. Aribidesi, National Chairperson of NUDS Women’s Wing and Matron of PEACE Magazine. Representatives from JAIZ Bank, Crown Takaful Limited, and the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) were also present, underscoring the community’s support for this initiative.

This Honour Roll Ceremony marked the beginning of an annual tradition, as announced by Malam Murtala Aliyu, who expressed PEACE Magazine’s commitment to connecting honorees with mentors and fostering an enduring network of support for Muslim women’s educational and professional growth.

With this inaugural Honour Roll Ceremony, PEACE Magazine has established a powerful platform that celebrates academic brilliance while highlighting the strength of faith and identity. The honorees, each an exemplary model of excellence and resilience are celebrated not only for their intellect but also for their embodiment of Islamic virtues.

The success of this ceremony reinforces PEACE Magazine’s mission to nurture future leaders who will serve as catalysts for positive change within their communities and beyond. 

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