FOMWAN salutes Sultan

THE Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has saluted the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Dr Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for his two-day visit to Oyo State.

Sultan Abubakar was in the state for the inauguration, on Tuesday, of a multi-million naira Islamic centre built in Iseyin by an indigene of the town, Ahmed Raji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The traditional/religious leader, on Wednesday, was also at the convocation and 70th Founder’s Day of the University of Ibadan as the Chancellor of the premier institution.

The National Amirah of FOMWAN, Hajiya Rafiah Idowu Sanni, in a statement, noted that the visit of the Sultan at this time was significant and historic as it coincided with his 15th coronation anniversary, having ascended to the throne in 2006.

“The national leadership of FOMWAN wishes to appreciate Allah for your simplicity, humility and religiosity which help in fostering and advancing Islamic brotherhood and togetherness in Nigeria, as well as strengthening the cord of unity among the Ummah.

“You have become a unifying factor for Muslims in Nigeria. Your visit to Iseyin will no doubt enhance the promotion of philanthropy and charity as preached by our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and mentioned in the Holy Qur’an because the singular effort of our learned brother, Ahmed Raji (SAN), in building a court, a big mosque and a modern library will serve as a challenge to other well-meaning Muslims. Special thanks to the leadership of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) for hosting the Sultan.

“We equally wish to felicitate His Eminence on the successful celebration of his 15th coronation anniversary. It has unequivocally been 15 years of purposeful and quality leadership. Congratulations to the President-General, NSCIA. We wish you more successful years and longevity that is devoid of any form of affliction and calamity,” Hajiya Sanni said.

The FOMWAN leader said the conferment of awards of excellence on five notable Islamic personalities by Dr Abubakar as part of activities marking his 15th coronation anniversary was commendable.

Hajiya Sanni said such recognitions would serve as impetus for other Muslims to use their souls, wealth and whatever else Allah has endowed them with in propagating Islam, “the only true guidance.”

According to her, FOMWAN will not relent in actualising and pursuing its core mandates of advancing the cause of women and the girl-child while also engaging in advocacy and humanitarian activities “that will make our society and country at large a better place to live in.”

She added that the association had been receiving immense support from eminent Nigerian Muslim organisations and individuals, including the Sultan of Sokoto.

“It is gratifying that the like of Professor Sa’adiya Omar, a former National Amirah of FOMWAN, was honoured with the Nana Asmau Award for Social Development. Late Sheikh Ahmad Lemu, who was the founding father of FOMWAN and the husband to the first National President of FOMWAN, Hajiya Aisha Lemu, also received the Sultan Muhammad Bello Award for Good Governance.

“Professor Shehu Galadanci was honoured with the Sheikh Usman Danfodiyo Award for Scholarship. Others included the Shehu of Borno, who was appreciated with the Abdullah Gwandu Award for Leadership and the Award of Peace presented to the late Secretary-General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Dr Abdul Lateef Adegbite,” she noted.