FOMWAN Marks 40th Anniversary, Calls For Action On Climate Change
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has concluded its 40th anniversary conference, calling for immediate action to address the challenges of climate change, drug abuse, and insecurity in the country, according to a communique issued to newsmen in Kaduna by the National President.
The conference, themed “Empowering Muslim Women in the Face of Climate Change – Building Resilience, Sustainability and Community Development,” was held in Kaduna State and attended by over 1,500 participants from 36 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The keynote address was presented by Professor Salisu Shehu, the executive secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
The conference was declared open by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaibah Ahmed.
The conference observed that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a reality that affects communities across Nigeria.
It noted that Islam attaches great importance to climate mitigation, and that women face unique risks from climate change due to physiology and social roles.
The conference recommended that FOMWAN empower Muslim women to be resilient in the face of climate change and its mitigation. It also recommended the institution of a tree-planting project across communities and the formation of Green Ambassadors Clubs in all FOMWAN schools.
FOMWAN called on the government, stakeholders, and individuals to take immediate action to address the challenges of climate change, drug abuse, and insecurity in the country.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Muslim women, promoting community development, and advocating for climate change resilience and sustainability.
The conference witnessed a change in leadership, with Dr Fadimatu Sumaye Hamza emerging as the new National Amirah of FOMWAN.
Other executive members include Hajia Zeenat Isiemekhan as Vice President, Hajia Hauwau Abdullahi as Public Relations Officer, Khadijah Olahan as Da’wah Officer, and Dr Halima Egberongbe as Assistant Secretary.
The FOMWAN Annual National Conference and 40th Anniversary reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to building communities where women and children can thrive.
All stakeholders were urged to join hands in addressing the challenges facing the nation and community.