FOMWAN @40: Scholars, leaders task muslim women on climate Change. By Ladidi Al-Hassan
FOMWAN @40: Scholars, leaders task muslim women on climate Change. By Ladidi Al-Hassan
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has been urged to take a frontline role in tackling the challenges of climate change by strengthening resilience, promoting sustainability, and advancing community development.
The call was made by the keynote speaker, Professor Salisu Shehu, while delivering an address on the theme “Empowering Muslim Women in the Face of Climate Change: Building Resilience, Sustainability and Community Development” at FOMWAN’s Annual National Conference and 40th anniversary celebration in Kaduna.
Prof. Shehu lauded FOMWAN for what he described as its remarkable journey of nearly five decades, distinguished by sincerity of purpose, unity, and impactful contributions.
Unlike many organisations that have suffered internal crises and breakaways, he noted, FOMWAN has remained cohesive since its founding in 1985.
“FOMWAN has survived for 40 years as a united entity without any split or faction. This is not a common feat among Islamic organisations.
The secret lies in sincerity of purpose, and Allah supports whatever is done for His cause,” he remarked.
Describing climate change as one of the most pressing global concerns of the century, Prof. Shehu urged Muslims to regard it not only as a scientific or political matter, but also as a deeply spiritual and Qur’anic responsibility.
He emphasised that the Qur’an contains extensive references to the natural environment and its balance, noting the interconnection between human survival and ecological sustainability.
“More than half of the Qur’an speaks directly or indirectly about the climate, weather, and environment,” he explained. “The climate is our life support system. If we destroy it, we destroy ourselves.”
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented at the event by the wife of the Kaduna State Governor, Mrs Hafsat Uba Sanni, commended FOMWAN for four decades of service to women, families, and communities across Nigeria.
She encouraged the association to continue driving women’s empowerment and resilience in the face of climate challenges.
She further praised FOMWAN’s role in enhancing the spiritual, social, and economic well-being of women and children, describing the body as a “pillar for women’s empowerment, education, and community development.”
The Vice President, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, also extolled FOMWAN as a “beacon of Islamic principles and a symbol of Nigeria’s strength in diversity.”
He congratulated the association on reaching what he described as “a monumental milestone,” applauding its achievements in women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, humanitarian service, and social justice advocacy.
He stressed that women play an increasingly vital role in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development, noting that FOMWAN has been instrumental in shifting the narrative to ensure Muslim women are recognised as active participants in nation-building.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the National Amirah of FOMWAN, Alhaja Rofiat Sanni, described the 40th anniversary as a celebration of “four decades of devotion, resilience, and impact” by Muslim women across Nigeria and beyond.
“We honour the legacy of those who came before us and chart the path for those yet to come,” she said, adding that the theme of the conference was carefully chosen to address urgent global challenges while advancing FOMWAN’s mission.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of FOMWAN’s Board of Trustees, Alhaja Lateefah Okunu, described the anniversary as both a celebration of the organisation’s growth and a call to chart new directions for the future.
“Within 40 years of existence, FOMWAN has grown from a humble beginning in Minna to become a global movement,” she said. “Our mission in the next 40 years will be to build a formidable world body that will foster unity within the Ummah.”
She stressed that the theme underscored women’s crucial role in addressing environmental challenges, warning that climate change is no longer an abstract issue but a lived reality evident in strange weather patterns, desertification, flooding, and wildfires.
Highlight of the celebration includes the launching of FOMWAN Green Ambassadors and presentation of five sub themes by schoolers to further equipped them for the task ahead
For advert placement, Event coverage, News and sponsored articles, send a DM to us via WhatsApp +2348162341445
