Hajiya Nana Shettima
First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called on Muslim women across the country to remain steadfast in faith, demonstrate resilience and uphold their responsibility to their families, communities and the nation.
The First Lady made the call on Friday, while declaring open the 41st National Conference of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) held in Umuahia, Abia State.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, _“Faith, Resilience and Responsibility: Muslim Women Responding to Challenges,”_ Senator Oluremi Tinubu described the theme as timely and a call to action stressing that faith gives women strength and keeps hope alive in the face of challenges.
The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Hajiya Nana Shettima, commended FOMWAN for over four decades of dedicated service to women and families across Nigeria while urging Muslim women to continue to contribute to the development of peaceful families, stronger communities and a better Nigeria noting their important roles as mothers, wives, educators, mentors and community leaders.
She encouraged the women to lead by example through love, compassion, patience and mutual support while ensuring that sound moral, ethical and religious values are inculcated in children.
“As women, our faith strengthens us, gives us courage and keeps hope alive, even in the face of challenges. Through faith, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility, we can continue to make meaningful contributions to our families, communities and our nation,” she said.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also encouraged participants to use the conference as an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another, strengthen partnerships and develop practical responses to the challenges confronting women, families and communities.
She expressed the hope that the deliberations and resolutions of the conference would translate into meaningful actions that would advance the welfare of women and contribute to peace, unity and national development.
The First Lady further commended the leadership and members of FOMWAN for their enduring contributions to society
Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti stated Faith gives us the moral compass to navigate a changing world. Resilience gives us the courage to stand firm when circumstances test us but responsibility gives us purposeful direction calling us to live meaningful lives at home in our communities and in nation building.
Represented by his wife Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti described the relationship between all religions as remarkable Saying in Abia we understand that religious diversity is not a weakness it is part of the richness of our shared humanity as such the abia state Government remains committed to religious tolerance, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
The National Amirah of FOMWAN Dr Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza in her remarks stated For over four decades, FOMWAN has remained a beacon of faith-inspired service advancing education, health, women empowerment, humanitarian response,peacebuilding, and community development across Nigeria. The association’s journey according to the Amirah reflects the commitment of generations of Muslim women who have dedicated themselves to serving Allah through service to humanity.
Dr Sumaye Hamza said While FONWAN acknowledge ongoing efforts by government at various levels to address national challenges, sustainable progress requires the active participation of citizens,faith communities, civil society and the private sector as Nation-building is a shared responsibility.
