The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has elected a new National Amirah, Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza (IFPF. FCILED. FCANEP), a Ford Foundation Program Fellow and retired Permanent Secretary with the Plateau State Government.
The election was conducted at its 40th anniversary and National Convention in Kaduna on Saturday, after a four-day gathering of members from within and outside the country.
Dr. Hamza – also a fellow of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace and a member of the African Network for Peace, succeeds Alhaja Rafiah Idowu-Sanni from Oyo State, who is the 10th National Amirah and championed the cause of the organisation for four meritorious years.
The 11th National Amirah pledged to work with other executives and members across Nigeria towards making the organisation touch more lives locally and internationally.
Dr. Hamza – a PhD holder in Education Policy Analysis from the University of London, will be assisted by Na’ibatul Amirah (Vice President), Hajia Zeenat Ismikhai from Edo, in her two years tenure, before the 2027 election for possible re-election of the duo.
“We are honoured to lead this great organisation at this critical juncture”, she said, adding, ‘’We pledge to build on the foundations laid by our predecessors and work towards achieving FOMWAN’s vision of Leadership of Muslim women and promoting their welfare.”
Speaking with Muslim News on Sunday, the newly elected Amirah of the umbrella body for Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria described leadership position as a huge responsibility that comes with amanah – trust – saying that, “I am optimistic that Allah will guide me and my executive members, InshaAllah.”
The new leadership is expected to drive FOMWAN’s mission of promoting the education, health, economic empowerment, and social welfare of Muslim women and youth.
With Dr. Hamza’s leadership, FOMWAN is poised to expand its reach and impact, both nationally and internationally.
The elected State Amirahs (State Presidents) are members of the National Executive Council in addition to the elected National Amirah (National President), Naibatul Amirah (Vice President), Secretary-General, Financial Secretary, Da’awah/Welfare Officer, Legal Adviser, and a Public Relations Officer.
Dr Hamza joined FOMWAN in 1985 while she was a teacher in a secondary school in Plateau state. She told Muslim News that she joined the Association through Allah’s guidance and the mentorship of Alhaja Muslimat Kamaldeen, who is now a member of the BOT.
According to her, “after joining under the platform of the Muslim Women Association, I was inspired by our late Aisha Lemu whom I met personally in Minna, Niger state during a curriculum review using an Islamic perspective. Also, our BOT Chairperson *Alhaja* Lateefah Okunnu is another mentor I admire so much.”
As a Social Justice advocate, she has extensive experience in the social protection sector and has actively participated in developmental activities domestically and internationally.
Additionally, her expertise in capacity building, mentoring youth, strategic and operational planning, social mobilization, humanitarian service, research and documentation equips her for diverse professional endeavors.
Dr Hamza – who received training in conflict sensitivity, Gender Equality, and Social Inclusion both within and outside Nigeria, was the Plateau state FOMWAN Amirah from 1999-2003. She was the National PRO before attaining the post of National Naibatul Amirah and now by Allah’s will the National Amirah.
The FOMWAN is a faith-based, non-profit, and non-governmental organisation founded in October 1985 by a group of educated Muslim women.
FOMWAN’s main focus is the dissemination of Islamic beliefs and the education and empowerment of Muslim women; it is the civil society umbrella body for Muslim women in Nigeria.
* With additional information from NAN
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