FOMWAN Marks 40th Anniversary, Urges Urgent Action on Climate Change, Drug Abuse
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has called on government and stakeholders to take urgent action on climate change, drug abuse and insecurity as it marked its 40th anniversary and annual national conference in Kaduna.
The five-day conference, themed “Empowering Muslim Women in the Face of Climate Change – Building Resilience, Sustainability and Community Development”, drew over 1,550 delegates from across Nigeria and international chapters in the UK, Ghana and Niger Republic.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaibah Ahmed, declared the event open. Dignitaries included representatives of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; and the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmad Nuhu Bamali, who stood in for the Sultan of Sokoto.
In a goodwill message, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed commended FOMWAN’s four decades of work in education, health and social development, urging the group to sustain its impact on global issues.
In its communiqué, FOMWAN described climate change as a present and urgent threat, citing flooding, drought and rising food prices. It also expressed concern about youth drug abuse and moral decline, welcoming the new collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the NDLEA.
The association resolved to establish Green Ambassadors Clubs in its schools, launch tree-planting campaigns, promote alternative energy, and engage youth as eco-ambassadors through positive social media use.
The conference also produced new leadership, with Dr. Fadimatu Sumaye Hamza emerging as National Amirah, succeeding Hajia Rafiah Idowu Sanni.
FOMWAN reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment, community development and environmental sustainability, urging all Nigerians to join hands in tackling the challenges confronting the nation.
