‘Why use of hijab in schools, public places is desirable’

The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) have called on all government authorities to allow unhindered use of hijab in schools and public places.

Speaking during a seminar on the hijab, the FOMWAN Lagos State Amirah Dr. Halimah Egberongbe, said the objective of the workshop is to encourage interfaith collaboration in the country.

“We have reached out to the non-Muslims, most especially the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in order to promote interfaith collaboration between the two religions. We have come together to deliberate, think alike and pass messages which is almost alike to the audience,” she said.

She urged the government and the general public to see Islam as a religion that fosters government advocacy on decency and modesty.

“The government and public should accept the fact that Islam preaches modesty, humbleness, and transparency which I believe the government is advocating presently.

“We must desist from discriminating against the use of Hijab because the hijab is all about leaving a decent and humble life. The society must accept the children and youths who use hijab at the workplace and schools so that the society which we live in will be a better place to live ”.

Egberongbe urged Muslims and non-Muslim to live amicably, harmoniously together without discriminating against one another belief, be it of the same faith or not. “Let us leave together, accept each other religion or faith and avoid having contradictions, disharmony among ourselves”.

Chairperson Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Ambassador Elizabeth Onajobi commended the initiative.” I thank God for today’s gathering because we’ve been able to talk to the youths most especially and ourselves”.

She noted that during the course of the lecture, she realised that the hijab symbolized spirituality. “Putting on of hijab by a Muslim woman is more than the material people see. It symbolized spirituality.

“The hijab is you as a person, not the material, you as a person should behave well and be righteous. When you behave well people will see you, and you will be dignified. Seeing is believing is not when you carry the Quran or Bible that matters but your behavior. So if you are wearing the hijab and you are not portraying the goodness in you it is worthless”.
Onajobi advised the youths on the danger of bad peer influence.

“Our youths should be obedient and listen to their parents, they should desist from following their peers because following bad peers will draw them away from the truth and from being righteous which God wants them to be. “God wants us to be righteous and every religion preaches peace. By being righteous you will live right and will never regret your life”.