FOMWAN Inauguration: Executives tasked on leadership roles as Salimota bags state officers’ promotion
The Ondo State chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has inaugurated its Akoko South-West Local Government executives, with Board of Seats (BOS) members tasking them with leadership responsibilities and ensuring the implementation of the association’s thematic areas for sustainability.
The event was held at the Adeniyi Adegbomire Hall, South-West Local Government Secretariat, Oba Akoko, at the weekend.
Delivering a lecture on Leadership and Accountability, a university don from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr Olamide Muhammed, called for renewed commitment to ethical leadership and accountability in line with Islamic principles.
Muhammed described leadership as both a position of influence and a sacred trust that demands responsibility, integrity, and service. She explained that effective leadership is not solely defined by authority, but by the style adopted in guiding others, noting that communication, decision-making, and adaptability are critical elements that shape outcomes.
Muhammed, who examined various leadership styles, described servant leadership as the most effective, as it requires a leader to serve those they lead.
According to her, Islamic leadership is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), which emphasise moral excellence above status or wealth.
She outlined key attributes expected of a Muslim leader, including righteousness, trustworthiness, knowledge, consistency, cooperation, moderation, and eloquence.
The lecturer stressed that leaders must lead by example, as their actions are constantly observed and often emulated by followers.
On accountability, she noted that Islam establishes a dual system in which leaders are answerable both to Allah and to the people they serve.
While citing relevant Qur’anic verses and prophetic traditions, she emphasised that every individual is a custodian entrusted with responsibilities and will be held accountable for their actions.
She urged leaders to embrace transparency, take responsibility for their decisions, and foster a culture of trust within their organisations.
Muhammed also underscored the importance of honesty and integrity, describing truthfulness as a cornerstone of Islamic leadership encouraging the newly inaugurated executives to uphold values such as justice, amanah (trust), taqwa (God-consciousness), and shura (consultation) in their service.
Stakeholders at the event, including the Chief Imam of Akungba Kingdom, the Regent of Supare Akoko, and the Regent of Oba-Akoko, applauded FOMWAN for its activities, which they said have impacted positively on the lives of the people.
Expressing optimism about the impact of principled leadership in the local government area, they urged residents to be more security-conscious and report any suspicious activities within their neighbourhoods.
In her address, the State Amirah, Alhaja Medinat Omikunle, called on all Muslim women’s organisations to join FOMWAN, which she described as the umbrella body for all Muslim women’s groups.
“FOMWAN is not a political organisation where benefits are shared among members, but a formidable organisation that implements its thematic areas to benefit and positively impact people’s lives,” she said.
She highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the association and those it plans to implement in fulfilment of its mandate.
Among these was the case of an inmate at the Ondo women’s correctional facility who was granted bail during pregnancy, later delivered safely, and is now an undergraduate at a university, while her child is being cared for..
The event featured the inauguration of the Local Government Board of Seat BOS members, presentation of certificates of office to the executives, and the promotion of the immediate past Local Government Amirah, Alhaja Salimota Mustapha, to a state officer position in recognition of her transparency and effective implementation of the association’s thematic areas, following the presentation of her four-year scorecard.
Thirty-five executive members, led by Alhaja Rainat Jimoh, and three Board of Trustees members—Alhaja Alimi, Alhaja Nafisat Yuasa, and the immediate past Local Government Amirah, Alhaja Salimota Aremu—were inaugurated at the event.
