By Jubril Bada

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured FOMWAN of his government’s continued support, stating that the vision and mission of the association align with the state’s programmes, particularly in the education sector.

The governor made this statement while declaring open the 39th Annual National Conference of the association, held in the state at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome).

The conference, with the keynote address titled “Women and the Challenges of Insecurity,” was delivered by Prof. Yisa Yusuf of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties and Strategies, AbdulGanniy Muhammed, the governor said, “Education is the largest export in Ondo State, and this is one of your key projects. We seek your further collaboration in engaging more closely with the government to familiarise us with your programmes for further support.

“We will continue to support every effort in education, which is significantly prioritised by the Ondo State government to ensure that every child in the state has access to education.”

He reiterated the support the state government has given to FOMWAN’s education programmes and called on governments at various levels to emulate the state in helping the association achieve its vision and mission in education.

The governor noted that the theme of this year’s conference emphasized the circumstances in Nigeria and praised FOMWAN for its timely intervention during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, which did not occur in the state due to the association’s sensitisation efforts directed at children and youths.

This year, FOMWAN’s conference, held in Ondo State, he noted, was a good sign that the state enjoys better security of lives and property.

The governor commended the husbands of the association’s members for allowing their wives to attend the conference from across the country, despite the recently concluded #EndBadGovernance protests in some states.

The governor also assured the state government’s commitment to sustaining the security of lives and property currently being enjoyed in the state.

Delivering his keynote address, Prof. Yusuf of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, stated that women are more commonly victims of insecurity arising from emotional abuse, restrictions on freedom, and blame for not having male children by spouses who have a preference for male offspring, which negates Qur’anic principles.

He noted that domestic violence, in the form of wife-battering or husband-battering, is another form of insecurity affecting women.

The professor added that women, apart from being victims of kidnapping, suicide bombing, or other forms of insecurity, are also victims of rape and sexual slavery.

While outlining the different forms of violence that result from insecurity, Prof. Yusuf recommended that FOMWAN invite and collaborate with other women’s associations to implement joint programmes aimed at enhancing the personal, domestic, social, economic, and communal security of women in Nigeria.

He encouraged the association to engage young female Muslims more robustly so that the noble values for which the association is known can be effectively passed down to future generations.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, commended the members of the association for their contributions to humanity, noting that they have made meaningful impacts on women.

The Sultan, who was represented by the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, emphasized the need for women to teach their children their dialects or mother tongues.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Bolanle Babalakin, who was represented by the Baba Adinni of Owo Kingdom, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, commended FOMWAN’s efforts in positively impacting female Muslims, particularly women and girls, by helping them gain a better understanding of their religion for the betterment of their lives and society at large.

“Imagine the impact of FOMWAN, which has enabled our mothers, wives, and daughters to recite surahs from the Holy Qur’an,” he said.

In her remarks, the mother of the occasion, Alhaja Zikhra Akanbi, described the event as a call to reality, noting that violence or attacks on young girls have been happening for some time, not just recently.

She highlighted the urgent steps needed, including education, awareness, and empowerment, among others, to improve the lives of women and girls and contribute to building peaceful homes in society.

Akanbi pointed out that statistics show over 7.5 million students are out of school, calling for urgent attention as these students represent the future of the country.

She expressed the need to create awareness and called for government intervention at all levels to address insecurity in the country.

She emphasized the importance of empowering women through training, which she believes is essential for building peaceful homes that society will be proud of.

Addressing the gathering, the National Amirah of the association, Hajia Rafi’ah Sanni, charged the participants to reflect on the wisdom of the Qur’anic verse, “Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”

She reminded them of the strength and unity they must embody as Muslim women and their dedication to serving communities.

Similarly, the Chairperson, BoT of FOMWAN, Alhaja Lateefa Okunnu, pointed out that the association collaborates with governments at all levels on education to achieve national goals, as the government alone cannot achieve this laudable objective in its totality.

“We are automatically stakeholders in the almajiri programme and others that aim at ensuring all children of school age are in school.”