FOMWAN Tasks FG On Climate Change, Drug Abuse, Insecurity

The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria has urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in tackling the challenges of climate change, drug abuse and insecurity across the country.

They warned that the threats posed by the triple scourge are already taking a toll on families and communities.

The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its 40th anniversary and annual national conference, which held in Kaduna between August 19 and 24, 2025, with the theme: ‘Empowering Muslim Women in the Face of Climate Change – Building Resilience, Sustainability and Community Development While Showcasing FOMWAN’s Achievements.’

The weeklong conference brought together over 1,500 delegates drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Sister organisations from the United Kingdom, Ghana and Niger Republic also participated, alongside top government officials, traditional rulers and Islamic scholars.

Declaring the event open, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaibah Ahmed, praised FOMWAN for sustaining four decades of advocacy for women and community development.

He said, “This organisation has been a vanguard of change for Muslim women and children. The theme of this year’s conference is both timely and important as climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality that must be addressed.”

Similarly, the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, lauded FOMWAN’s achievements over the years and urged the group not to relent.

“Your role in shaping the society, especially in moulding future leaders through education and moral values, cannot be overemphasised,” she said.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, described the association as “a unifying force for Muslim women across the country” and pledged continued partnership with it on developmental initiatives.

In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said empowering women to confront climate change was critical to achieving community resilience. “Women are often the first to bear the brunt of environmental disasters, whether in flooded farmlands, food shortages or displacement. Supporting them is supporting the entire society,” he stressed.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, also charged Muslim women to remain steadfast in their contributions to national development, saying, “Our faith enjoins us to be protectors of the environment and custodians of morality.”

In a virtual goodwill message delivered virtually, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, commended FOMWAN for sustaining its relevance in Nigeria’s developmental discourse for 40 years.

“The choice of your conference theme shows foresight. I urge you to continue to lend your voice to issues of inclusiveness, sustainability and resilience,” she said.

In its communiqué, the association noted that climate change had ceased to be a distant threat, citing examples of “flooded farmlands, drought-stricken communities, rising food prices and displaced families.”

It further observed that while Islam attaches great importance to environmental stewardship as contained in several Qur’anic injunctions, women face unique risks from climate change due to their physiology and social roles.

On the growing menace of drug abuse among youths, FOMWAN expressed concern over what it called “the high rate of moral bankruptcy and inadequate professional school counsellors.”

It, however, applauded the recent synergy between the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to curb the scourge in schools.

“FOMWAN reiterates its commitment towards a drug-free environment through different strategies, including vibrant school programmes to bridge the vacuum created by inadequate professional counsellors,” the communiqué read.

The group also reflected on its survival over the last four decades, noting that its unity had been sustained through “sincerity of purpose and dedication,” and appealed to members to remain committed to the visions.

The association recommended the empowerment of Muslim women to become advocates of climate change resilience and sustainability at both community and global levels.

It also resolved to institute tree planting projects across communities and to form “Green Ambassadors Clubs” in all FOMWAN schools.

The communiqué added, “FOMWAN will promote initiatives towards alternative local energy sources in communities through international conferences, collaborations and networking with other relevant organisations. The association will also advocate for effective engagement of youth on the positive usage of social media as eco-ambassadors.”

Meanwhile, the conference also witnessed a change of leadership, with Dr Fadimatu Sumaye Hamza emerging as the new National Amirah of the association for a renewable two-year tenure. She succeeded Hajiya Rafiah Idowu Sanni.

Other executives elected include Hajiya Zeenat Isiemekhan as Vice President, Hajiya Hawau Abdullah as Public Relations Officer, Khadijah Olahan as Da’wah Officer and Dr Halima Egberongbe as Assistant Secretary.

In her acceptance speech, Dr Hamza pledged to consolidate on the achievements of her predecessor while driving new initiatives in line with the association’s objectives.

“We will continue to empower women and children, strengthen our schools and mosques, and be at the forefront of the fight against climate change, drug abuse and insecurity,” she assured delegates.

FOMWAN, in its final resolution, called on the government at all levels, stakeholders and individuals to “take immediate action to address the challenges of climate change, drug abuse and insecurity in the country.”

“FOMWAN reaffirms its commitment to empowering Muslim women, promoting community development and advocating for climate change resilience and sustainability. We urge all stakeholders to join hands in addressing the challenges facing our nation and our communities,” the communique added.

The communique was signed by the communique drafting team including, Dr Zainab Ahmed (Chairperson), Hajiya Bilqis Oladimeji (Secretary), Dr BALBASATU IBRAHIM(Member), Hajiya Wasilat Sani Saulawa(Member), Dr Halima Egberongbe (Member) and issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Monday.