Thousands of Muslim women, including students from primary, secondary and higher institutions attended the 2025 World Hijab Day Solidarity Walk which took off at Allen Roundabout, Ikeja, Lagos as early as 7.00am on Saturday, February 1st.
As they walked 2.4km to the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, Alausa, in a well coordinated and peaceful manner, they were seen with placards and imprints requesting inclusion and fair treatments for Muslim women in Hijab.
The convener, Hajia Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, welcomed Muslim women, students and participating Muslim organisations to the climax of the World Hijab Day 2025 activities with the theme, “Hijabis Unsilenced”.
The programme featured different amazing events like speeches, inspiring messages, motivational talks, poetry, and discussions on the rights of the Hijabis and the benefits of the Hijab. There were also goodwill messages from the organisers of this wonderful event.
The world should come together to celebrate the resilience of Muslim women: FOMWAN
In her goodwill message, Amirah (president) of the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Lagos State chapter, Alhaja Sherifat Ajagbe, said the world should come together to celebrate the resilience of women and promote their fundamental rights.
According to her, “On this special day, World Hijab Day 2025, we celebrate the courage, faith, and resilience of women who wear the hijab, embodying strength and empowerment despite challenges. The hijab is not merely an article of clothing, it is a profound statement of devotion, identity, and self-respect.
“For countless women, it symbolizes a commitment to their Creator and serves as an act of spiritual liberation and empowerment in a world that often defines worth through external appearances.”
Continuing, Alhaja Ajagbe said; “As we mark this occasion, let us promote understanding, compassion, and inclusivity. Together, we can foster a world that celebrates diversity, honours the right to self-expression, and values every individual’s unique journey. May this day remind us to support one another in breaking barriers and building a more just and equitable society.”
Voices of women wearing the hijab must be heard loud – Al-Mu’minaat
Speaking, the Amirah of Al-Mu’minat in Lagos State, Hajia Bilqis Abdullah, who spoke on the theme of the event, “Hijabis Unsilenced,” said voices of women wearing the hijab must be heard loud and clear and respected at all times.
“Hijabis Unsilenced, the theme for this year’s World Hijab Day, is a powerful phrase that resonates deeply in a world where hijabis have been marginalised, stereotyped, profiled and dehumanised.
“This phrase is a beacon of hope and empowerment. It acknowledges the struggles and injustices that hijabis have faced and continue to face while also celebrating their strength, resilience, and determination.
“Hijabis Unsilenced” is a reminder that their voices matter, their stories are valuable, and their contributions are essential.
“Let’s amplify the voices of hijabis everywhere, and create a world where they are seen, heard, and valued, she added.
Every Muslim woman has the inalienable right to wear the Hijab without discrimination: MPAC
In her words, Alhaja Rahmat Egbeyemi, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), said the body recognised the inalienable right of the Muslim woman to adore herself as a Muslim without any form of humiliation or condemnation from anyone.
She said: “We recognize the hijab as a fundamental aspect of a Muslim woman’s identity and a symbol of her devotion to her faith. As such, we believe that every Muslim woman has the inalienable right to wear the hijab without facing discrimination, harassment, or marginalization.
“Through our advocacy works, we have educated, informed, and inspired individuals, organizations and governments to understand the significance of the hijab and the need for peaceful co-existence in a pluralistic society. Our publications and voice have not only countered misconceptions but have also empowered Muslim women to stand tall in the face of adversity.
“As we commemorate World Hijab Day, we reiterate our commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of Muslim women in Nigeria. We will continue to engage with stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public to create a society where being an observant Muslim woman donning the hijab does not carry a price tag. A society where everyone can practice their faith freely and without fear of persecution, she added.
We must continue to encourage our Muslim sisters to adopt Hijab – Lagos Secretariat
Also speaking at the gathering, in her goodwill message, Hajia Rahmotallah Lawal-Ajayi, Women Affairs Secretary, Lagos Secretariat Community Central said; “The theme of this year’s WHD reinforces the current status-quo for millions of Muslim sisters around the world via the alluring beauty and significance of the hijab as a religious symbol of purity, modesty and a big voice of hope for Muslim sisters denied of their covering rights to appear in educational, professional and social circles due to apparent victimisation for adorning the hijab.
According to her, “We must continue to encourage our Muslim sisters to adopt this identity of peace, modesty and purity because they need the charge to be able to stand high with their hijabs and not be left out in opportunities or discriminated upon.
“In a world of advocating for women’s rights, the right to use the hijab remains a fundamental pre-requisite for Muslim women and as such, it must be highlighted beautifully to become a norm that should not raise dusts anymore,” she said.
Hijabis deserve to be respected, celebrated: AN-NUJABAU
Dr. Haleemah Al-Ameen, Coordinator, An-nujabau Female Forum said that this year’s theme is a strong reminder to the world that all voices deserve to be heard.
She said that all choices deserve to be respected and all identities, including that of the hijabis, deserve to be celebrated.
“All praises, adoration and glorification belong to Allah alone, the Lord Who alone reserves the right to instruct His servants and also reserve the right to the obedience of His servants in totality.
“We thank Allah who has counted us up till this day among His female servants who are pleased to be obedient to Him even up to their dressing despite all odds, prejudice, persecution and even oppression.
“This year’s theme, Hijabis Unsilenced, is a strong and powerful reminder to the world that all voices deserve to be heard, all choices deserve to be respected, and all identities, including that of the hijabis, deserve to be celebrated.
“It’s a message to the world that despite being trampled upon by the world for covering ourselves in an age where nudity is the trend, we cannot be stopped, we cannot be convinced otherwise and we’re always bouncing back stronger.
“Our hijab is a symbol of our faith, courage and self-expression. Therefore, to all the strong, resilient, and inspiring Hijabis around the world, your voices matter, your stories deserve to be heard, and your experiences need to be amplified.
“But we see you, we hear you, and we celebrate you. Your hijab is a symbol of your faith, your identity, and your unwavering commitment to your values.
“Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle or mute your voice. You have the power to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and inspire change. Keep speaking out, keep standing tall, and keep shining bright. You are the change-makers, the trailblazers, and the unsilenced voices of our time.
“We stand with you, we support you, and we celebrate your unwavering spirit.”
If you help the cause of Allah, He will help you and make your feet firm. That’s Allah’s promise to us. And we’ll never waiver,” she said.
Let’s rewrite our narrative, NASFAT tells Muslim women
Alhaja Ganiyat Omowumi Babalola, the Women Affairs Secretary of Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi (NASFAT) Society, in her goodwill message, urged Muslim women to reclaim their narrative.
She urged Muslim women to rise together, unapologetically and unconditionally, to claim their space and assert their presence.
“As we commemorate the World Hijab Day on February 1st, 2025, under the powerful theme ‘Hijab is Unsilenced’, I join millions of Muslim women worldwide in amplifying our voices, asserting our identity, and celebrating our unwavering faith.
“For too long, Muslim women have been marginalized, stereotyped, and silenced. But today, we rise above the noise, shattering misconceptions and reclaiming our narrative.
“To my dear sisters in Islam, I say: your voice matters, your story deserves to be told, and your hijab is a badge of honour. Let us rise together, unapologetically and unconditionally, to claim our space and assert our presence.
“May the World Hijab Day 2025 be a catalyst for change, empowering Hijabis worldwide to break free from the shackles of silence and forge a new narrative of courage, confidence, and conviction,” she added.
MSSN urges students, Muslim women to adorn the Hijab following Allah’s injunction
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, was not left out as she mobilized her members to the World Hijab Day event where the Amirah, Hajia Rofiah Tijani urged the users of Hijab to adorn it by following the injunction of Allah and His Prophet, Muhammad (SAW).
In her goodwill message, Hajia Tijani said, “Dear sisters, the use of our hijab should be following the injunction of Allah (SWT) and the Prophet (SAW). Let us make the fighting for its use over the years worthwhile by being a good ambassador and advocate wherever we find ourselves.
“Let’s wake up to challenging anyone who sees the use of our hijab as a hindrance or a means to step on our dignity,” she said.
Speaking further, the Amirah of the Muslim student body warned against harassment of her members, especially in many secondary schools in Lagos, saying that the Society will no longer condone oppression from any overzealous officers.
“Let me be clear today that we will no longer condone oppression from any parties nor allow anyone to look down on us. Over the years, hijabis all over the world have been doing excellently well in their fields of study, in their professions and even in their businesses.
“We’ve ensured enough decorum and portrayed a high level of openness to negotiations in situations as regards the use of our hijabs. We will no longer be silenced in the face of oppression and marginalization, and henceforth, we remain unsilenced.
“May Allah SWT continue to honour and ease our affairs and make us steadfast in all ramifications. Aameen,” she added.
Hijab, profound statement of faith, identity: Saba
Members of The Criterion, an Association of Muslim Women in Business and other Professions, in Lagos State united with other organisations for this year’s Hijab walk and gathering where they raised their voices against the prejudice against Muslim women and students on the Hijab.
In her goodwill message, the Amirah of the Muslim body, Hajia Maryam Saba said the hijab is not merely a piece of cloth but a profound statement of faith, identity, and self-respect.
According to her, “The Hijab represents a woman’s right to choose her path and express her devotion to Allah (SWT) while standing as a beacon of strength in a diverse and interconnected world.
“This year, we reflect on the theme Hijabis Unsilenced, despite the discrimination, the hijab has been a source of empowerment. As Muslimahs, we have been able to make a personal choice of defining our identity beyond societal beauty norms, we have resisted external pressure related to fashion and appearance but rather focus on our personal achievements and character.
“By wearing the hijab, a woman emphasizes her intellect and values over her looks, this act of self-definition reinforces her confidence and autonomy. For this, she should be respected, admired and not undermined.
“Let us use this day to encourage and inspire positive change and celebrate the resilience of Muslim women who wear the hijab proudly despite challenges and misconceptions.
“We pray that Allah (SWT) continues to bless and guide all women in their journeys of faith and self-expression. May this World Hijab Day serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to reinforce our resilience and uphold justice, fairness, and kindness,” she said.
MMPN calls on Nigerian journalists to report Hijab matters objectively, without bias
The representative of Muslim Media Practitioner of Nigeria (MMPN), Hajia Sakinah Lawal, reiterated the sanctity of the Hijab as Allah’s ordained for believing women, saying that those who want to obey their Lord should be allowed to do so without discrimination.
In her goodwill message, the former chairperson of The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) called on Nigerian journalists to report Hijab matters and other Islamic matters objectively irrespective of their religious beliefs, without bias.
According to her, “On behalf of Muslim Media Practitioner of Nigeria, MMPN, I will just want to reiterate the fact that the Hijab is Allah’s Rahma on us, it’s our right to adorn our Hijab as ordered by Allah swt without any discrimination.
“And also to assure Muslims that as media professionals, we will continue to do everything within our power to ensure that the constitutional rights of Muslim women to adorn their Hijab, among other rights, are protected.
“We also called on all our colleagues to always report issues concerning Hijab and other Islamic matters objectively irrespective of their religious beliefs.
“If the almighty Creator had wanted us to worship him the same way, he would have done that, but he has made diversity a way of life. Therefore, they should live and allow Muslims to live according to our religious dictates”, she added.
Give Hijab the respect it deserves – GMP
The Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) also joined the Coalition of Muslim Women to send a goodwill message to Nigerian Muslim women and their counterparts across the world on the occasion of World Hijab Day.
Speaking at the gathering, – the Executive Director of the Guild, Arc. Lateefah Olajide reminded every Muslim woman and girl to give the hijab the respect it deserves by covering what Allah has commanded to be covered and upholding good moral character in all circumstances.
She said, “On World Hijab Day, GMP celebrates the beauty of diversity, the strength of faith, and the power of choice demonstrated by Muslim women and girls who use the hijab. The hijab is not just a piece of fabric; it is a strong identity, protection and empowerment for millions of Muslim women around the world. Today, we salute the courage and resilience of hijab-wearing women and girls who proudly embrace their beliefs.
“We wish to remind every Muslim woman and girl to give the hijab the respect it deserves by covering what Allah has commanded to be covered and upholding good moral character in all circumstances. We wish to state unequivocally that the hijab is not a barrier to education, employment or enjoyment but rather an enabler of the unhindered progress of women. We implore others to respect and understand our choices.
“Let us use this day to foster mutual respect, break stereotypes, and promote inclusivity in workplaces, schools and all economic, governance and social spaces. Happy World Hijab Day to all—may we continue to build a world where every woman and girl is free and happy to express herself with dignity and pride,” she added.
End discrimination against Muslim women, says PHF
Also speaking, female Coordinator, Pure Heart Islamic Foundation (PHF) Lagos state chapter, Dr. Hajarah Davies thanked Allah for the success of the World Hijab Day programmes, urging government at all levels to end discrimination against Muslim women for wearing Hijab.
“AlhamduLillah Rabbil a’alamīn for the success of today’s programme,” she said in a goodwill message, adding, “It was indeed a great honour for the PHF to be part of the Coalition in order to protect and defend the rights of Muslim women.”
Dr. Davies, a director in the ministry of agriculture, stressed that the theme of this year’s World Hijab Day is a powerful call against discrimination being experienced by all Hijabis around the world.
“The theme for this year’s event, ‘Hijabis Unsilenced’, sends a strong message against all forms of discriminations being faced by Muslim women. It speaks the minds of all the strong and courageous Hijabis around the world. The campaign is a bold declaration that Hijabis will no longer be silenced.
“We’ll be exceptional, confident, and proud of ourselves. So, every sister should come together and proclaim to the world that Hijabi is unsilenced, exceptional, and empowered,” she added.
Muslims should not be denied to wear hijab on any condition: MURIC
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) declared to all Muslim Organisations championing the Hijab advocacy in Nigeria, asserting that the Hijab is the right of women and cannot be denied on any condition.
In her goodwill message, Amirah of the group in Lagos State, Hajia Salu Barakat said, “We at MURIC wholeheartedly support all organisations, Muslim Ummah and Hijab advocates in upholding the rights of Muslim women to use Hijab as their Allah-given fundamental rights of their religion as pronounced in Islam.
“Hijab is our right, and MURIC unequivocally says on no condition should Muslim women be denied their rights. Give us our rights, live and let live!”, she added.