Today, the bustling Centre of Excellence and state of aquatic splendour—will once again play host to a gathering of visionaries, trailblazers, and change-makers. The Criterion, an Association of Muslim Women in Business and Professions, is convening its Biennial International Conference, EKO-AKETE 2025, under the powerful theme: “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Muslim Women Overcoming Economic and Social Challenges.”
At a time when conversations about gender equity, economic inclusion, and social justice dominate global discourse, this conference could not be more timely. For Muslim women, the metaphorical “glass ceiling” is often reinforced by cultural, economic, and systemic barriers. Yet, EKO-AKETE 2025 seeks to dismantle these obstacles—not through rhetoric alone, but through practical solutions rooted in faith, integrity, and professional excellence.
The lineup of distinguished guests underscores the seriousness of this mission. Professor (Mrs.) Olayinka Ramota Karim, Vice Chancellor of Fountain University, will deliver the keynote lecture, bringing academic depth to the dialogue. The presence of Lagos State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as Special Guest of Honour, signals governmental recognition of the critical role Muslim women play in national development. Ustaz Dhikrullah Olakunle Hassan, former NAHCON Chairman, will chair the occasion, bridging faith leadership with professional advancement.
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Muslim women empowerment takes center stage at Criterion’s 2025 conference Wednesday
Unlike many conferences that stop at motivational speeches, EKO-AKETE 2025 promises a robust agenda:
- Keynote addresses and panel sessions on leadership, technology, finance, and business scaling.
- Masterclasses and mentorship opportunities to equip participants with actionable skills.
- Rural Da’wah programmes and project commissioning, ensuring that empowerment extends beyond urban elites to grassroots communities.
- Students’ and Alasalatu activities, sports, and networking sessions, fostering holistic development and camaraderie.
This multi-dimensional approach reflects The Criterion’s enduring mission: nurturing women of integrity, influence, and impact.
Hajia Medinat Akanni, International Ameerah of The Criterion, wife of erudite scholar, Lagos state University, LASSU, Prof Tunde Akanni aptly described the conference as “a platform for reflection, reawakening, and re-strategizing.” Her words remind us that empowerment, for Muslim women, is not about abandoning faith but about harnessing it as a source of strength. As Hajia Ogun noted, The Criterion has consistently nurtured women who embody both professional excellence and moral integrity—a rare but necessary combination in today’s world.
The significance of EKO-AKETE 2025 extends beyond its four-day duration. It is about rewriting narratives: that Muslim women are not passive participants in society but active architects of economic growth, social progress, and national development. It is about ensuring that the next generation of Muslim women sees no ceiling—glass or otherwise—above their aspirations.
As Lagos prepares to welcome delegates from across Nigeria and beyond, one thing is clear: EKO-AKETE 2025 is more than a conference. It is a movement. A movement to inspire, empower, and unite Muslim women in breaking barriers, building bridges, and shaping a future where their contributions are not only recognized but celebrated. No doubt, when The Criterion set the stage for discussion, the world must now listen.