In a league of their own

The Essence Lifestyle Events has once again showed the world the excellence and potential of the Nigerian Muslim Millennial.

Lekki, Lagos 25&26^th February, 2016- The Essence, a flagship event organized by The Umm Fariha Network held its second event featuring a business and professional panel, symposium, funfair and expo.

In line with their commitment to engaging with Muslim millennials, the event showcased eminent Nigeria Muslims who are industry leaders in both business and corporate industries. The business and professional panel, which was a session aimed at educating the youth on the importance of excellence in business and employment, featured Mr. Niyi Yusuf (Country Managing Partner, Accenture), Mr. Yinka Yusuf (PricewaterHouse Coopers), Mrs Ghaneeyah Sulaiman- Olokodana (Serial Mumpreneur) and Mrs Adenike Adeboye (Creative Director at Sisters Style Studio).

The event was not only about the corporate world. Motivational talks were also given by Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef the Honorable Commissioner of Home Affairs in Lagos State, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad the Chief Missioner of Ansar-ud Deen Society, Imam Ridwan Jamiu the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu former Deputy SA to the Governor or Ogun State and Fatima Oyinkansola Momoh of Muslimah Style Guide.

Seasoned and new entrepreneurs also came together to showcase their products and network with people. The event featured products ranging from fashion, food, lifestyle goods, home décor, and wellness, and it also created an avenue for families to have a day out, shop, network and have fun.

The organizer, Zahra Zakariya Abdulkareem is a Business Strategist and Social Entrepreneur whose mission for this event is to raise the aspirations and foster excellence amongst Millennials in Nigeria. This has been achieved by bringing together different players in the industry united under the goal of empowerment and human capacity development. In a recent appearance in TVC’s morning program ‘Your View’, Zahra urged traditional media outlets to help challenge the negative stereotypes of Islam by showcasing all the positive stories of young Muslims who are making a positive impact in the society in spite of the constant negativity and marginalisation.

Among this year’s partners of the event were Silverbird TV, HalTV Africa, MTN, Sterling Banks’ Alternative Finance, Corner Stones’ Halal Takaful, So Yummy Popcorn, Kola Kuddus and Arabel. The turnout was massive as the venue, Lekki Central Mosque Lagos, was filled to capacity with shoppers, vendors and families out to have a nice time.

The organizers of the event hope that with more sponsorships and collaborations, they can host future events across West Africa. The Umm Fariha Network continues its’ mission to connect, inspire and empower creative Millennials in Nigeria, fostering love, harmony and excellence in all they do.