The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Osun State chapter, has commenced activities to mark its 40th anniversary of service to humanity in the state.
Speaking at a press conference heralding the weeklong programme, the State Amirah of FOMWAN, Dr Fausiyah Adenike Zubayr, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to selfless service.
Zubayr said FOMWAN envisions a world where women are fully empowered to serve as role models and make positive impacts in society. She noted that since its inception, the association has consistently undertaken community development and humanitarian initiatives.
According to her, FOMWAN’s mission includes the propagation of Islam through Da’wah, the establishment of educational institutions, and the implementation of programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic status of the populace—particularly women, youths, and children. These efforts, she said, are achieved through training, provision of qualitative education, healthcare services, humanitarian interventions, and micro-enterprise schemes.
She disclosed that the theme for this year’s FOMWAN Week is: “Tackling Global Socio-Economic and Humanitarian Challenges Arising from Economic Instability and Health Hazards Caused by Climate Change, Geo-Political Conflicts, Insecurity, and Their Resultant Effects on Lives and Property.”
Highlighting the association’s achievements, Zubayr listed the establishment of orphanage homes across the state, providing care for vulnerable and motherless children, as well as the founding of primary and secondary schools. She added that scholarships have been awarded to indigent and less-privileged students.
She further noted that FOMWAN offers pre-marital and post-marital counselling to promote stable family life, while also empowering members and youths through vocational training, educational workshops, capacity-building initiatives, and financial support for small businesses.
Other activities include visits to correctional centres, where inmates receive welfare support, counselling, and, in some cases, assistance with bail. The association also donates food items and rams during Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Adha celebrations.
Zubayr added that FOMWAN has extended support to healthcare facilities across Iwo, Osogbo, Ife Central, Ife East Area Office, and Olorunda Local Government Areas, donating items such as bedsheets, toiletries, benches, and chairs.
She said the association also commemorates World Water Day as part of efforts to promote access to clean water.
As part of this year’s activities, members will visit elderly members for interaction and presentation of gifts. A special Jumat prayer will be held on Friday at the Osogbo Central Mosque, alongside the cleaning of mosque premises across local government headquarters in the state.
She added that Imams and religious leaders will deliver sermons on the sub-theme, “Insecurity and Its Resultant Effects on Lives and Property.”
“On Saturday, there will be a symposium at the State Secretariat, where resource persons will speak on the theme and sub-themes. Our local government branches will also showcase and exhibit their products,” she said.
The Amirah appealed to the state government and philanthropists to support the association financially to expand its orphanage homes and other projects.
She noted that FOMWAN, established in 1985 and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, operates in all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with a presence in over 600 local government areas.
