The Federation of the Muslim Women’s Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN) has congratulated the Muslim ummah on the occasion of the 1443 AH new Islamic year.
Muslim News had reported that the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III declared Tuesday, August 10, the first day of Muharram 1443.
In a congratulatory statement jointly signed by Hajia Halimah Jubril and Hajia Biliqees Oladimeji, National President and Chairperson, Publications respectively, FOMWAN said it especially greets the Muslim women on witnessing the new Islamic year despite the reign of the ravaging coronavirus disease.
“FOMWAN gives praises, adorations, and appreciations to Allah for sparing lives of Muslims especially our mothers through the ravaging coronavirus pandemic that shook the whole world in 2020. That we are still alive today to witness the Awwal (first of) Muharram is by His Divine Blessings,” the statement said.
The group also raised concerns on the increasing level of insecurity and other social problems in Nigeria, saying it has threatened the peace of the country.
It meanwhile praised the efforts taken by certain government agencies in curbing the social problems, urging intensification of efforts by governments at all tiers to ensure security, peace, and socioeconomic stability.
“FOMWAN is however concerned by the high level of insecurity in the country that has continued to threaten the peace of this country, Nigeria. In particular, we are concerned by the day-by-day reports of kidnappings of our children, parents, teachers, and even our military and paramilitary personnel. We are equally concerned that despite efforts of the government and the military to curb the menace, we cannot sleep with our two eyes closed as a nation.
“The rate of armed banditry and insurgency keeps on rising by the day and the government seems overwhelmed. Furthermore, FOMWAN is unhappy at the high rate of women trafficking, child abuse, drug abuse, and violence against women in Nigeria. We however praised the efforts of government agencies such as NAPTIP, NAFDAC, and the NSCDC.
“FOMWAN hereby calls on all tiers of government to intensify efforts to restore peace in our communities. We urge all and sundry to assist our security agents by providing useful information that could lead to the nipping in the bud, all criminal activities. We also urge our governments to provide employment opportunities for our teeming youth to stem the tide of youth restlessness in Nigeria.”
FOMWAN also prayed to Allah to grant the entire nation peace and bliss as we enter the new Islamic year.
“May Allah, the only one with divine protection continue to provide this for our nation, Nigeria. We pray for love and progress and tranquility for all Muslim homes this New Year and beyond. FOMWAN once again congratulates all Muslims and wishes them more years of safety, productivity, and prosperity,” the statement read.
