Stakeholders Praise FOMWAN’s Cohesion, Call for Climate Mitigation Efforts
Federation of Muslim women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has been urged to take a frontline role in addressing the challenges of climate change by building resilience, promoting sustainability, and advancing community development.
The keynote speaker at FOMWAN Annual National Conference and 40th anniversary celebration, Professor Salisu Shehu, made the call while delivering an address on the theme “Empowering Muslim Women in the Face of Climate Change: Building Resilience, Sustainability and Community Development” in Kaduna.
Prof. Shehu praised FOMWAN for what he described as its remarkable journey of nearly five decades marked by sincerity of purpose, unity, and impactful achievements.
He noted that unlike many organisations that have suffered internal splits, FOMWAN has remained a cohesive body 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.
Prof. Shehu who described climate change as one of the most urgent global issues of the century, charged Muslims to view it as a deeply spiritual and Qur’anic matter and not merely as a scientific or political concern.
He stated that the Qur’an contains extensive references to the climate and natural environment, illustrating the interconnection between human survival and ecological balance.
“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 who was represented at the event by the wife of Kaduna State Governor, Hafsat Uba Sanni praised FOMWAN for four decades of impactful service to women, families, and communities across the country, urging the association to continue driving women’s empowerment in the face of climate change.
She commended the association for its contributions to the spiritual, social, and economic well-being of women and children in Nigeria, describing FOMWAN 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 , described FOMWAN as a “beacon of Islamic principles and a symbol of Nigeria’s strength in diversity.”
He congratulated the organisation for reaching what he called “a monumental milestone,” commending its achievements in women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, humanitarian service, and advocacy for social justice.
The Vice President highlighted the growing role of women in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development, stressing that FOMWAN has been critical in shifting the narrative and ensuring Muslim women are recognised as active participants in nation-building .
Earlier, in her welcome speech, the National FOMWAN Amirah, Alhaja Rofiat Sanni described the milestone 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, noting that the theme of the conference Empowering Muslim Women for Climate Resilience, Sustainability, and Community Development was chosen to address urgent global challenges while advancing FOMWAN’s mission.
In a remark, the FOMWAN Chairman of Board of Trustee, Alhaja Lateefah Okunu described the milestone as both a celebration of its 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,” the organisation noted.
“Our mission in the next 40 years will be to build a formidable world body that will foster unity within the Ummah.”
She said the theme was chosen to highlight women’s role in addressing environmental challenges.
Delegates were reminded that climate change is no longer an abstract threat but a daily reality manifesting in strange weather patterns, desertification, flooding, and wildfires.
