The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Muslim women across the country to remain steadfast in faith, demonstrate resilience and uphold their responsibility to their families, communities and the nation at large.
She made the call while declaring open the 41st National Conference of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) held in Umuahia, Abia State.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Faith, Resilience and Responsibility: Muslim Women Responding to Challenges,” Mrs Tinubu described the theme as timely and a call-to-action, stressing that faith gives women strength and keeps hope alive in the face of challenges.
Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady commended FOMWAN for over four decades of dedicated service to women and families across Nigeria.
Vital Role
She therefore urged Muslim women to continue to contribute to the development of peaceful families, stronger communities and a better Nigeria, noting their important roles as mothers, wives, educators, mentors and community leaders.
She encouraged the women to lead by example through love, compassion, patience and mutual support while ensuring that sound moral, ethical and religious values are inculcated in children.
“As women, our faith strengthens us, gives us courage and keeps hope alive, even in the face of challenges. Through faith, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility, we can continue to make meaningful contributions to our families, communities and our nation,” she said.
The First Lady also encouraged participants to use the conference as an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another, strengthen partnerships and develop practical responses to the challenges confronting women, families and communities.
She expressed the hope that the deliberations and resolutions of the conference would translate into meaningful actions that would advance the welfare of women and contribute to peace, unity and national development.
Moral Compass
Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti, in his remarks at the event, stated that faith gives the moral compass to navigate a changing world.
“Resilience gives us the courage to stand firm when circumstances test us, but responsibility gives us purposeful direction, calling us to live meaningful lives at home in our communities and in nation building, ” he said.
Represented by his wife, Priscilla, the Governor described the relationship between all religions in the State as remarkable.
“In Abia, we understand that religious diversity is not a weakness; it is part of the richness of our shared humanity. As such, the Abia State Government remains committed to religious tolerance, inclusion and peaceful coexistence,” he added.
The National Amirah of FOMWAN, Dr Sumaye Hamza, stated that for over four decades, FOMWAN has remained a beacon of faith-inspired service advancing education, health, women empowerment, humanitarian response, peacebuilding, and community development across Nigeria.
The association’s journey, according to the Amirah, reflects the commitment of generations of Muslim women who have dedicated themselves to serving Allah through service to humanity.
The 41st FOMWAN National Conference brought together Muslim women from across the country to deliberate on issues affecting women, families and communities, while exploring practical ways of strengthening their contribution to national development.
