Muslim Women Restate Commitment To Community Development

The Kwara State chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has reiterated its commitment to promoting education, social welfare and community development as it marks its 40th anniversary.

In a statement by its Amirah, Hajia Nimat Labaika and public relations officer, Prof Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, the group appreciated the support of Muslim women across the country, particularly those in Kwara State, for their unwavering dedication and contributions over the years.

“Founded in 1985, FOMWAN emerged as a platform to unify Muslim women’s voices and promote Islamic values.

“With affiliations across numerous Asalatu groups in Kwara State such as Taoheed, Ansarul Islam, Ansarul-Deen, The Criterion, Unilorin Muslim Ladies’ Circle, and a host of others, the organisation has grown into one of the country’s most prominent religious and social advocacy groups,” the statement said.
To mark the nationwide week-long celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Kwara chapter joined other state branches to call for greater recognition of the role of women in national development and the protection of their rights in all spheres of life.

It added that in the past four decades, FOMWAN has made significant strides in education, healthcare, advocacy, and humanitarian service in the state.

“Under the auspices of its pioneer Amirah, Alhaja Raliat Sanni and her successor, Hajia Muslimah Kamaldeen, the association launched adult literacy programmes and expanded its educational outreach as the year progressed.

“In 1994, it established a crèche at Baboko Market, which evolved into a Nursery/Primary School in 1998 and a special needs institution by 2009.

“The association now operates three nursery/primary schools, one secondary school, 20 Islamiyyah schools in Kwara North, and a functional adult literacy class.

“In collaboration with the Non-Governmental Associations for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS), it supports additional learners across the state.

“To support inclusion, FOMWAN has awarded scholarships to vulnerable and special needs pupils, many of whom have progressed to secondary and tertiary institutions. One visually impaired beneficiary now runs a shoe-making business.

“The organisation has also engaged in community-level interventions such as training and mentoring School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in 207 communities, donating wheelchairs to special needs children, empowerment of indigent women and fostering Almajiri and vulnerable children.

“Notably, one of the fostered children graduated with a first class from the University of Ilorin in 2023 and is currently serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),” it added.