The Missioner of the United Kingdom and Ireland Zone of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Muyideen Ibuowo, has urged parents to refrain from choosing careers for their children to help them become independent and successful in life.

Sheikh Ibuowo spoke on Sunday, July 6, during the 1st anniversary celebration of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) Swansea Group, held at Swansea Central Mosque, St. Helen’s Road, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom.

The theme of the event was “Harnessing Self-Esteem as a Pivot for Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Success.” He emphasized that youth is a stage of life between ages 15 and 39, a critical period during which parents must be sensitive, patient, provide proper monitoring, listen, show love, and stay close to their children for proper upbringing.

Sheikh Ibuowo stressed that many children today were on the wrong path in life because parents were adamant in choosing careers for them, which negatively affected their self-esteem.

He further explained that many parents have become disconnected from the moral understanding of their children due to the neglect of native languages in favour of foreign languages. He emphasized that the mother tongue is the first identity of a child and the language through which children initially develop self-esteem, confidence, independence, cultural values, knowledge of Islam, and moral discipline.

Mr Ibuowo urged parents to stop forcing foreign languages on their children and to avoid competing with neighbours and friends in deciding their children’s career paths. He noted that such behaviour kills children’s self-esteem and causes them to lose track of becoming future leaders.

He also said that the current Yoruba nationalist movement, saying it has lost its direction. He emphasized that the fight for the Yoruba nation should start from universities where subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, and Computer Science should be taught in Yoruba. 

He believed that this would prepare children better for the future and build their self-esteem to face life’s challenges.

The Islamic scholar added that the success of any society depended on the success of its youths, while the failure of a society reflects the failure of its youth. He added that parents’ prayers play a vital role in guiding their children towards success and encouraged continuous daily prayers. 

Quoting the Prophet of Almighty Allah (Prophet Isa), he said, “Let the children come,” reinforcing the idea that a child’s role in life determines the overall success of society.

In his opening speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Daud Hamzat, represented by the Vice Chairman of NASFAT UK and Ireland Zone, Rauf Mohammed-Noah, welcomed everyone to the event and congratulated members of NASFAT, particularly those of the Swansea Group, for their dedication, sacrifice, contributions, unity, and family values. He assured that Islam would continue to flourish.

He narrated the NASFAT Swansea Coordinator’s journey within the organization, noting that he had served as security coordinator, vice chairman, and chairman in Nigeria. 

He emphasized that growth within NASFAT was possible through dedication and commitment. He highlighted that NASFAT was guided by principles rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, and any rule that contradicts them is void.

He encouraged the Swansea Group to aspire to branch status, saying that only branches could be fully integrated into the zonal structure. He advised members to maintain unity and emphasized the importance of establishing an Advisory Council of Elders, as their guidance is invaluable.

Mr Mohammed-Noah also stressed the need for a youth executive, noting that several zonal activities such as Sports Day, Winter Camp, Family Retreat, and Joint Night of Majesty (Lailatul Qadr) require youth participation.

He acknowledged that there would be challenges ahead, urging everyone to work hard to transform the Swansea Group into a full-fledged branch. He congratulated all members and wished them continued success in their service to Allah.

Earlier in the Welcome Address by NASFAT Swansea Group Coordinator, Abdulfatai Omotunde, welcomed everyone to the gathering. He praised Almighty Allah and expressed deep joy and fulfillment at the historic gathering in Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom.

Mr Omotunde shared that what once seemed nearly impossible had become a beautiful reality through Allah’s grace. He emphasized that offering Asalatul remains a powerful tool for both personal and communal spiritual upliftment.

He said the vision for NASFAT Swansea began to form in his heart the first day he attended a Jumah service in the UK and saw fellow Nigerian Muslims. He felt a strong need not just for companionship, but for a space where Muslims could come together regularly, support one another, pray as one Ummah, and raise children grounded in Islamic teachings within a Western society.

He noted that he was convinced that NASFAT, with its structured focus on spiritual growth, societal development, and communal responsibility, was the best platform to nurture that vision. He reflected on his long journey with NASFAT, having held various leadership roles in Nigeria including security coordinator, cooperative secretary, vice chairman, and two-term Chairman of the Alagbole-Akute Branch in Ogun State (2003–2018), as well as Coordinator of the Magboro and Arepo Groups (2020–2022), before relocating to the United Kingdom.

He shared that starting NASFAT in Swansea was initially challenging due to work and life demands in the UK, which made him doubt whether consistent religious gatherings would be possible. However, he expressed gratitude that it has now become a reality.

He thanked the dedicated, selfless, and visionary executive team, mission board, and committed members men and women who worked hard to make NASFAT Swansea not just a reality, but a strong Islamic presence in the UK.

He also announced the establishment of a madrasah (Arabic class) for children, which will commence in mid-July 2025, insha Allah, serving as a beacon of Islamic education for the next generation.

He urged members, elders, and guests to see the gathering not just as a celebration, but as a reaffirmation of their shared commitment to serve Allah sincerely, uplift the Ummah through knowledge and prayer, and secure the future of their children in line with Islamic values.

Other Activities at the event were the presentation of NASFAT Asalatul Prayer Books by the executives of the Pages Walk Branch (UK) to the Swansea Group. The books were received by the Women Leader, Samiat Jokogbola-Shaibu