FOMWAN Urges United Front as Akure South EXCO Takes Office
Muslim women have been enjoined to work in unity under FOMWAN, the umbrella body for the development of Islam, Muslim women, and the community at large.
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration of the new executive of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the association called for the active participation of all Muslim women’s groups to work together for the development of the organisation and the propagation of the Islamic faith.
The association made this call during the inauguration of the new executive members of its Akure South Local Government chapter, held at the Central Mosque in Akure on Sunday.
The State Amirah, Alhaja Medinat Omikunle, in her address, affirmed that FOMWAN is an umbrella body for all Muslim women’s organisations, who are expected to be active members in carrying out its activities.
The guest lecturer from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr Sidiqot Shodehinde, in her presentation identified Muslim women as key drivers of community strength and renewal.
Shodehinde, who spoke on the theme “The Role of Muslim Women in Building a Stronger Community”, highlighted the pivotal role Muslim women continue to play in shaping stronger, more resilient communities across the country — a role that spans education, civic life, philanthropy, and professional sectors, and is best described as “the connective tissue of communal life”.
Family, Shodehinde said, remains the cornerstone of any community, with Muslim women often acting as its chief architects.
“As primary educators in the home, they instil cultural identity, values, and a sense of belonging in younger generations. Increasing numbers of Muslim women pursuing higher education were cited as a driving force behind rising educational standards within local communities.”
According to her, spiritually, women are “guardians of faith”, embodying values such as compassion, honesty, and charity. Their involvement in religious education and personal mentorship has helped preserve core Islamic principles while offering guidance to young people seeking stability in an increasingly complex world.
“Beyond the home and the mosque, Muslim women are taking on ever more prominent roles in community service. They organise charity drives, manage support networks, and spearhead initiatives aimed at helping those in need, both within Muslim communities and the wider public.”
She noted the growing presence of Muslim women in civic and political spaces, adding that their advocacy for social justice, human rights, and community needs has been instrumental in bridging cultural gaps and fostering dialogue.
Professionally, she affirmed, Muslim women are contributing to economic growth and social diversity across a range of fields, including medicine, law, science, business, and the arts.
This, she stated, means their achievements continue to challenge stereotypes and inspire younger generations to pursue ambitious goals.
She also drew participants’ attention to the crucial role women play in maintaining social cohesion—through support groups for new mothers, the elderly, and new arrivals to the country—ensuring that vulnerable community members are not left isolated.
The Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Akorede, called on the FOMWAN leadership to support the new Akure South executive to excel in their local government area.
This, he stated, could be achieved by allowing them to perform maximally and making available the support and resources they truly deserve.
Akorede, who described the inauguration as a testament to development and progress in FOMWAN, appreciated the state leadership for ensuring that most women’s groups were represented in the new executive, making particular reference to Alhaja Aminat Akunpelumi and Alhaja Rafat Momoh for conducting a successful programme.
He also applauded the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for the ongoing transformation across the state.
He, however, cautioned the new executive against being pompous towards their leaders, who he said would guide them through a successful tenure.
The former Senior Adviser to the Governor on Gender, Hon. Olamide Falana, appreciated the Chief Imams and Muslim men for their support in ensuring that Muslim women excel in their endeavours.
While commending the FOMWAN leadership for conducting the inauguration, Falana prayed for a successful tenure for the new executive.
In her report, the immediate past Akure South Amirah, Alhaja Hannah Esinloku, thanked members and the leadership for their support and encouragement, which enabled the association to record several achievements across its thematic areas.
In her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Amirah, Alhaja Anifat Omopariola Jayeoba, called for unity from everyone to ensure success.
She affirmed her commitment, and that of her team, to work within the thematic focus areas for the development of the association.
Highlight of the occasion featured the inauguration of the local government Green Ambassadors and gift presentation to the Amirah local government Emeritus among others
