FOMWAN tasks Nigeria on Islamic principles for sustainable development

The Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) has emphasised the need to adopt Islamic development models as a way of meeting human needs without undermining the integrity and stability of the natural system.

The group stated this during FOMWAN Lagos State conference and step down of the 37th yearly national conference in Lagos.

During the conference, Muslim women were encouraged to get empowered to fight the looming global poverty and also ensure credible leaders were elected to overcome challenges bedevilling the country.

The FOMWAN Lagos, Ameerah, Alhaja Sherifat Ajagbe, said the conference was organised to tackle and reduce the looming crisis in the society using an Islamic lens.

“The conference is a yearly event where members of the association in various states across the federation gathered and proffer solutions to some of the problems encountered in society,” she said.

Ajagbe added that this year’s conference is to revive the old tradition of state conferences and step down the 37th FOMWAN yearly conference presentation held in Port Harcourt.

This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Inter-Generational Gaps for Sustainable Development: Spectrum of opportunities using the Islamic Lens’ is chosen to bridge the wide generations gaps.

“FOMWAN is equipping members with tools to overcome the challenges in society, using an Islamic lens. We believe that when this technique is applied properly things will change gradually,” she noted, adding that FOMWAN is an umbrella body for all Muslim Women in Nigeria and is ready to join hands with the government to ensure a credible election.

“Whenever there is an election in the country, our members use to go around the community to monitor the electoral process. After the election, each state will send their report to our focal person in Abuja for recommendations.”

She urged government to ensure women are well-empowered to relieve them from the current economic hardship.

“The government is doing well on women’s aspect but they need to do more as this will go a long to stabilise Nigeria’s economy.”

The Former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu, commended Nigerian women, saying, they have always been economically active. “ Right from the time of our parents, they have something doing either petty or full time, they are always occupied with economic activities and they are happy with what they do.

“Nigeria women are very reliable and proactive but my fear for our women today is that most of them are joining the race for money neglecting the family which is their primary role.”

She noted, the home is the most important aspect a woman should focus on, “All attention should be focused on raising good children and when they surpass the childbearing age, they can come out to public life.”

Lagos FOMWAN, Naibul Amirah, Alhaja Amudat Olanipekun, while delivering a lecture on ’Entrenching Good Governance in Public Affairs: A Panacea For Ensuring Security and Equity’ tasked government on human capital development and quality education system in the country. “Human capital is the greatest asset of any country aspiring to be great and likewise, our government should endeavour to prioritise our educational system.”

She noted there is a correlation between long-time economic performance and good governance, saying, government policy determines long-term development outcomes.

“What we need in Nigeria is servant leadership, which is a commitment to the growth of citizens. Nigeria is in need of leaders with listening ears and fear of God. We want leaders that will listen to the cry of the masses and act swiftly. leaders who will be assessable with open doors policies not tribalistic, sentimental, dubious or fraudulent. Such a person who will lead should have zero tolerance for corruption, avoid breaking laws and orders and have inter-ethnic and religious crises. Such a person will prevent the country from instability, hence promoting development.

She said that for Nigeria to overcome its numerous challenges, a good leader is required.

“Today, in Nigeria there are numerous challenges facing the nation such as, unemployment, high cost of living, poverty, broken homes, insecurity, human trafficking, suicide, depression, fraudulent practice, religious intolerance, religious diversity, ethnicity, political thuggery, among others.”