By Onilede Titi Faith
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), on Wednesday marked its 40th anniversary in Kaduna with calls for greater investment in women’s empowerment, climate resilience, and community development.
Speaking ahead of the Kaduna 2025 international conference, National Amirah Rafiah Sanni described the association’s four decades as years of service, resilience, and faith.
“This year’s theme, Empowering Muslim Women: Climate Resilience, Sustainability, and Community Development, reflects our renewed focus on addressing global challenges,” she said.
Founded in 1985, FOMWAN now operates in all 36 states and the FCT, covering more than 700 local government areas.
The group has established nearly 3,000 basic schools nationwide, with a School of Nursing under construction in Ibadan and plans for a university underway.
“At 40, we celebrate service, faith, and our commitment to building communities where women and children can thrive,” Sanni added.
The conference, opening Thursday, will host delegates from the United States, the United Kingdom, and several African countries, focusing on climate change, women’s leadership, and interfaith collaboration.
Sanni praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for providing a secure and welcoming environment for participants.
She also condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, describing the killing of civilians as genocide.
“For months, women, children, the elderly, humanitarian workers, and journalists have been killed in indiscriminate bombings. Homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship have been destroyed.
These killings amount to genocide,” Sanni said, urging urgent global solidarity and humanitarian support.
