The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has bestowed the Hijab heroine, Barrister Firdaus Amasa, with yet another prestigious award for her struggle to protest and change the long-standing narrative of being called to bar without the Hijab.
Barrister Amasa was presented with the award plaque by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr Philips Shaibu at the 55th Annual National Conference of FOMWAN in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Different Muslim and non-religious organisations across the country have honoured her with prestigious awards since she was called to bar with her Hijab in July 2018.
The Hijab advocate and activist was recently rated among the top 10 2018 Young African Change Makers by Youth Hub Africa, a foremost online community for youth in Africa.
The latest award came from FOMWAN, the foremost Muslim women organisation in Nigeria, known for her advocacy for Muslim girl-child education and improvement of Muslim women’s status.
In a chat with our Muslim News correspondent shortly after the award, Barrister Firdaus called on Muslims to remain firm in the face of challenges.
She said: “As Muslims, we need to remain firm regardless of the challenges that come our way. There are a lot of people who would not want to allow you practice your religion.”
Recalling the December 2017 events which transpired over her refusal to remove her Hijab and eventually led to her not being called to Bar, she acknowledged that the Hijab is an injunction from Allah which must be strictly adhered to.
She further ascribed her victory after numerous struggles and summons to Allah (SWT).
When asked about her life after the victory, with the series of invitations, accolades and awards she has enjoyed across the country, she said; “It has not been easy, especially when I have to combine such with my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
“I have to always get permission from my place of primary assignment. But AlhamduliLlah, I am trying to cope”, she concluded.
– By AbdulWaheed Shotonwa/Benin City.
