First Lady urges Muslim women to promote faith, resilience, responsibility

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Muslim women across the country to remain firm in their faith, resilient in the face of challenges and committed to their responsibilities to their families, communities and the nation.

She made the call on Friday while declaring open the 41st National Conference of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), held in Umuahia, Abia State.

The conference, with the theme, “Faith, Resilience and Responsibility: Muslim Women Responding to Challenges,” brought together Muslim women from different parts of the country to discuss issues affecting women, families and communities.

Represented at the event by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady described the theme as timely, saying it was also a call for Muslim women to take greater action in addressing the challenges facing society.

According to her, faith remains an important source of strength for women, particularly during difficult times.

“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.

Senator Tinubu commended FOMWAN for more than four decades of service to women and families across Nigeria, noting that the organisation had played important roles in education, mentorship, humanitarian activities and community development.

She urged Muslim women to continue to serve as positive examples in their homes and communities by promoting love, compassion, patience and mutual support.

The First Lady also stressed the importance of raising children with sound moral, ethical and religious values, describing mothers as important contributors to the development of responsible future generations.

She encouraged participants to use the conference to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and develop practical solutions to the challenges confronting women and families.

She expressed hope that the resolutions reached at the conference would go beyond discussions and result in actions capable of improving the welfare of women, promoting peace and supporting national development.

Also speaking, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, said faith, resilience and responsibility were essential qualities needed to navigate the challenges of modern society.

Represented by his wife, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti, the governor said, “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.”

He further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to religious tolerance, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.

According to him, Abia recognises religious diversity as part of the richness of the society and not a source of division.

The National Amirah of FOMWAN, Dr Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza, said the association had remained committed to faith-inspired service for over four decades.

She listed education, healthcare, women empowerment, humanitarian response, peacebuilding and community development among areas where FOMWAN had contributed to society.

“For over four decades, FOMWAN has remained a beacon of faith-inspired service,” she said, adding that the organisation’s journey reflected the commitment of generations of Muslim women who had dedicated themselves to serving humanity.

Dr Hamza acknowledged efforts by governments at various levels to address the country’s challenges but stressed that government could not do it alone.

She said sustainable development required the participation of citizens, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and the private sector.

“Nation-building is a shared responsibility,” she stated.

The conference therefore served as both a platform for reflection and a renewed call for Muslim women to strengthen their contributions to families, communities and the wider Nigerian society.