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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu has challenged Muslim women across Nigeria to move beyond the profession of faith and translate their religious convictions into practical action capable of strengthening families, promoting peaceful communities and advancing national development.
The First Lady made the call on Thursday while declaring open the 41st National Conference of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), held in Umuahia, Abia State.
With the conference coming at a time of mounting social and economic pressures on families and communities, Tinubu urged the women to draw on faith, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility to confront the challenges affecting their homes and society.
Represented at the event by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, the First Lady said the theme of the conference, “Faith, Resilience and Responsibility: Muslim Women Responding to Challenges,” was not merely reflective but a call to action.
According to her, faith provides women with the strength to remain hopeful and courageous in difficult circumstances, while resilience enables them to withstand adversity and responsibility compels them to contribute positively to society.
“As women, our faith strengthens us, gives us courage and keeps hope alive, even in the face of challenges. Through faith, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility, we can continue to make meaningful contributions to our families, communities and our nation,” she said.
Tinubu identified the roles of Muslim women as mothers, wives, educators, mentors and community leaders as critical to the moral and social development of the country.
She therefore urged participants to lead by example through love, compassion, patience and mutual support, while ensuring that sound moral, ethical and religious values were passed on to the younger generation.
The First Lady also challenged FOMWAN members to use the conference to develop practical solutions to issues confronting women and families rather than allowing the gathering to end with resolutions that do not translate into action.
She encouraged participants to exchange ideas, learn from one another and strengthen partnerships, expressing hope that the outcome of the deliberations would improve the welfare of women and contribute to peace, unity and national development.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by his wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Otti said faith, resilience and responsibility were complementary values needed to navigate an increasingly complex society.
“Faith gives us the moral compass to navigate a changing world. Resilience gives us the courage to stand firm when circumstances test us, but responsibility gives us purposeful direction, calling us to live meaningful lives at home, in our communities and in nation building,” he said.
The governor described the relationship among adherents of different religions in Abia as “remarkable,” stressing that religious diversity should be viewed as a strength rather than a source of division.
“In Abia, we understand that religious diversity is not a weakness; it is part of the richness of our shared humanity. As such, the Abia State Government remains committed to religious tolerance, inclusion and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The National Amirah of FOMWAN, Sumaye Hamza, said the organisation’s 41-year journey had been defined by faith-inspired service to humanity.
She listed education, healthcare, women empowerment, humanitarian intervention, peacebuilding and community development among the areas in which the organisation has contributed to national life.
Hamza said FOMWAN’s history reflected the commitment of generations of Muslim women who had devoted themselves to serving Allah through service to humanity.
The 41st National Conference brought together Muslim women from across Nigeria to examine challenges confronting women, families and communities and consider practical strategies for deepening their contributions to national development.
