Fed Govt Will Ensure Release Of Nigerians In Captivity, Says Akume

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume,says the federal government would ensure the freedom of all Nigerians being held by terrorists, assuring that every necessary effort was being made to facilitate their safe return.

He spoke yesterday while playing host to the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) led by its national amirah, Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, Akume underscored the critical role of faith-based organisations in addressing the numerous challenges confronting the country, while urging them to sustain their prayers for the present administration.

Akume also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening national security, noting that protecting the lives and property remained a top priority.

The SGF expressed optimism that ongoing security operations and coordinated interventions would yield positive results in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.

“Our mission on earth, our goal on earth is to promote, to preserve and prolong life. It’s not to shorten it. The government is doing everything to secure the release of all who are captured,” he said.

The SGF commended FOMWAN for its steadfast contributions to national development, describing the association as a vital partner in promoting peace, unity and social progress.

He noted that the organisation occupies a strategic position in society and had consistently complemented government’s efforts through advocacy, humanitarian services and moral guidance.

Akume acknowledged the association’s commendation of the Tinubu administration, admitting that governance was often challenging regardless of a country’s level of development.

He, however, stressed that effective leadership is measured by its ability to respond decisively to emerging challenges. He added that the federal government places great importance on the contributions of faith-based organisations in fostering national cohesion, tackling insecurity and advancing development, while noting that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on women’s empowerment.

Earlier, the FOMWAN national amirah said the association remained committed to promoting the values of Islam through Da’awah, while advancing the socio-economic development of women, youths and children through quality education, healthcare, humanitarian services, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and advocacy.

She hailed the federal government for its efforts in nation-building, particularly in the areas of security, education, humanitarian response, social protection and women’s development.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of security agencies in tackling insecurity, Hamza urged the government to further strengthen the nation’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, greater community engagement, enhanced protection of vulnerable communities and measures to address the socio-economic factors driving insecurity.

The FOMWAN leader reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting peacebuilding, family strengthening, youth development and civic responsibility across the country.

She noted that for more than four decades, the association has contributed to national development through women empowerment, education, literacy programmes, health interventions, humanitarian services and social welfare initiatives.

Hamza also appealed for stronger institutional collaboration with the federal government to enable FOMWAN expand its impact.

She requested support for the renovation of the association’s national secretariat, the establishment of additional skills acquisition and women empowerment centres, provision of an official operational vehicle, strengthening of state-level operations, and assistance for its forthcoming National Annual Conference scheduled for August in Abia State.

She further proposed the establishment of a sustainable partnership framework between the government and the group in key areas including women’s empowerment, education, literacy, youth development, humanitarian response, peacebuilding, community development and family welfare programmes.