PEACE Magazine Marks 23rd Anniversary with 2nd Honour Roll Ceremony in Abuja

At the 2025 Honour Roll in Abuja, NDLEA chief Marwa joins national figures to celebrate Muslim women graduates, urging them to use their intellect in nation-building and the fight against drugs.

Minister of State for Education salutes girl-child brilliance, calls education the cornerstone of national progress

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (CON, rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has called on young Nigerian graduates to become advocates in the fight against drug abuse, describing the menace as “a clear danger to knowledge, family, and the nation’s collective future.”

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 23rd Anniversary and Second Annual Honour Roll Ceremony of PEACE Magazine held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Nigerian Society of Engineers Auditorium, Abuja, General Marwa praised the honourees for their discipline and academic excellence, urging them to use their intellect for the greater good.

“Your success is a testament to steadfastness,” he said. “But drug abuse remains an impediment to learning and national development. I call on you to use your stories to preach abstinence from drugs, be advocates for clean living and responsible citizenship.”

The event, themed “Celebrating Intelligent Brains Under the Veils,” honoured 23 outstanding Muslim young female graduates from universities across Nigeria for their academic brilliance and moral integrity.

Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo Ibrahim, Deputy National President of ADS, said peace is the foundation of every enduring community.

“Peace is the essence of development and family stability,” he said. “As Muslims, we must uphold peace in line with the teachings of Islam. To the honourees, intelligence behind the veil signifies boldness and wisdom. Use your knowledge to build Islam and serve your community” he added.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, praised the organisers for spotlighting Muslim female achievers, calling girl-child education “a sacred duty that defines the nation’s progress.”

Despite her travel schedule, she said she attended “because of the importance I attach to the girl child, and to rewarding and celebrating girls that shine.”

“This ceremony is more than recognition, it is a celebration of discipline, perseverance, and the quiet strength of women who dared to dream and stayed the course,” she said.

She urged the graduates to transform their knowledge into leadership and nation-building.

“I see myself in you,” she said. “You are future ministers, governors, and heads of state. Your intellect is a trust, use it to uplift humanity.”

The minister commended PEACE Magazine for creating “a platform that amplifies the voices and brilliance of Muslim women in educationand public life,” aligning with the government’s agenda to expand women’s participation in science, technology, and leadership.

Delivering the Anniversary Lecture, Dr. Habiba Muda Lawal, OON, grand matron of PEACE Magazine, gave what many described as one of the most stirring intellectual moments of the ceremony. she reminded the audience that in Islam, knowledge is not a privilege but a duty, and learning is a lifelong act of worship.

“Whatever you do,” she told the graduates, “shall be measured against the teachings of Islam. Seeking knowledge, both spiritual and secular is a divine obligation. It is through knowledge that you understand your Creator, and through understanding, you serve humanity.”

She urged the young women to see themselves as builders of community and nurturers of generations yet unborn.

“Present yourselves with dignity and confidence. The hijab is not a barrier to participation or progress, it is a banner of identity, integrity, and self-respect,” she said, drawing warm applause.

Dr. Lawal challenged the graduates to take their place in the public sphere with both competence and conscience. She encouraged them to be bold professionals who maintain clear ethical boundaries while building networks rooted in mutual respect.

“Do not compromise your values for acceptance,” she warned. “Surround yourself with people who see your light and help it shine brighter.”

In her valedictory speech, Memunat Olawore Omobolanle, a graduate honoured among the top of the class from the fountain university osogbo, delivered an impassioned reflection titled “The Power of Community: Building a Future Rooted in Faith and Knowledge.”

“This is more than a celebration of academic brilliance,” she said. “It is faith refined by intellect, modesty strengthened by excellence, and devotion shining through achievement.”

She told her colleagues that “the veil is not a barrier to brilliance, nor is modesty an obstacle to success,” and urged them to see their education as a sacred responsibility to community and Ummah.

The ceremony also featured the investiture of patrons and the Mukaramun (Honourable Recipients)Awards presented to distinguished personalities and organisations: Dr. Malam Adamu Ahmed — Patron, Sa’in Jama’are, Bauchi, Dr. Yusuf Adebayo Ibrahim, Ph.D — Patron, Alhaja Oyinde Oluyemisi Nujidat Oshun — “A Graceful Woman (Arwa Salam)” Hajiya Rahmatu Musa Sani — “Mother of Goodness (Ummu Soliha)” Dr. Mairo Usman Mandara (MBBS, FWACS, FFPH UK, FOC) — “Bringer of Happiness (Jawaria Salam)” Crown Takaful Insurance Limited — Award of Excellence: “Everyone is Better Off”

Following his investiture as a Life Patron of Peace Magazine, Dr. Malam Adamu Ahmed delivered a heartfelt address that resonated deeply with the young graduates, many of whom he fondly referred to as his daughters in faith and purpose.

Reflecting on the remarks of the NDLEA Chairman, Gen. Buba Marwa, Dr. Adamu echoed the call to confront the menace of drug abuse, warning that moral decay often begins when communities neglect the values that anchor youth. He urged the honourees to become ambassadors of discipline, decency, and discernment, not just in their professions but in their personal lives as well.

“You must choose character over charm,” he advised. “When the time comes to marry, look for men who fear Allah, who are responsible and respectful. We must all help one another to screen and support our daughters in choosing rightly.”

The occasion drew an audience from public service, business, and Islamic institutions. Among those present were: a representative of Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa, Executive Chairman/CEO of Sahad Stores (Father of the Day) Alhaja Asiwaju Muibat F. Aribidesi (FNCS), Matron of PEACE Magazine (Hostess) Representatives from Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Education Social and Health Mission (MESH), Crown Takaful Limited, and JAIZ Takaful Limited.

The ceremony was facilitated by Mr Aliyu Doma, Head of programes, Nigeria Police Radio Abuja and Hajiya Gimba Hauwa of NTA

Earlier at the event, pupils from Sanusi Dantata School presented the event with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem in Arabic, earning warm applause and smiles across the hall. Also a student of Great Heights School captivated the audience with a poem that eloquently reminded listeners that “it’s not about what we wear, but about our intellect; not about modesty alone, but about the strength of our minds.”

In her closing remarks, Alhaja Muibat F. Aribidesi (FNCS), Matron of PEACE Magazine, expressed gratitude to all patrons, sponsors, and guests, describing the ceremony as “a reminder that our greatest power lies in enlightened hearts.”

“Today, we saw faith meet knowledge and peace prevailed,” she said. “We thank everyone who continues to believe in this vision. May these young women go forth as lights of wisdom, character, and service.”

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