…Holds Natn’l Confab
Piqued by the rate of terrorism and other crimes in Nigeria, Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations of Nigeria(FOMWAN) has charged the Federal Government to change its strategy of fighting insecurity in the country.
Addressing newsmen in Akure, Ondo State at press conference heralding the beginning of the 39th edition of the Federation’s national conference, the National Amirah(President) Hajia Rafiah Idowu Sani, said they were worried by the rate crimes in the country
She disclosed that all the leadership from across the country are gathered to discuss and fashion out solutions to the socio-economic challenges in the country, with main focus on insecurity.
The conference with the theme: “Women and the Challenges of Insecurity,” would be discussed intensively and necessary recommendations would be made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stem the insecurity challenges
Hajia said: Given the current global challenges, especially regarding security, FOMWAN believes it is crucial for us to gather and learn from our scholars on what Islam teaches us about these issues and how we can align our lives with the guidance of Allah for evaluating peace and security.”
She disclosed that the association that was formed in 1985 focuses on ‘Da’wah'(calling to the way of Allah), education,(both Islamic and Western), health, women and youth empowerment, humanitarian services and community development.
Speaking on the reasons for the theme of the confab, Prof. Latifa Durosemi, chairman, NOC, noted that it’s high time the security agencies changed the strategy they used in tackling the current insecurity in the country.
She suggested that 25 percent of the fiscal Appropriation Bill for security should be earmarked for empowerment in terms of training, skill acquisition, which she said would reduce poverty in the country.
Prof. Durosemi explained that the theme of the confab has sub-themes which she listed as ‘Women and the challenges of insecurity;’
‘National insecurity is collective responsibility;’ ‘Tackling the issues of poverty the Islamic View;’ ‘Women Security Panacea for National Development.’
In her address,the National BOT of the Federation, Prof. Saadiyaa Umar, condemned the kidnap of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola who is a nursing mother and her mother is a member of FOMWAN.
She appealed to the abductors of the doctor to release her so that she can go home and take care of her baby.
Prof. Umar called on well-meaning Nigerians and security agencies to take all necessary measures to make the abductors of the medical personnel and other victims in the dens of kidnappers to release them without delay.
She said: “She’s nursing a baby. She’s one of our daughters. They should please release her.
“We appeal to the people behind this kidnappings to please desist from this and make Nigeria a peaceful place to live in
“This kind of incident should stop. We appeal to the people who are into this nefarious activities to desist.
“The Catholic students should be released. Let’s live in a peaceful society.”
Prof. Umar implored parents to look after their children and ensure they focus on the upbringing of their children.
The National Publicity Secretary of the federation, Hajia Maimuna Momodu explained that the formal opening of the conference would hold on Friday at the International Conference for Culture and Event Centre(The Dome) at Alagbaka, Akure.