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The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has identified poor policy implementation in the education sector, high poverty rates, and lack of empowerment as significant contributors to the rising insecurity across the country.
Speaking ahead of FOMWAN’s 39th Annual National Conference in Akure, the National Amirah, Hajia Rafiah Sani, lamented the devastating impact insecurity has had on Nigeria. She emphasized that addressing these underlying issues with long-lasting solutions could significantly improve the country’s security situation.
Hajia Sani urged the Federal Government to reconsider the strategies currently employed by security agencies, suggesting that a more effective approach is necessary to combat the growing insecurity.
Adding to the discussion, Prof. Lateefah Durosinmi, former National Amirah and Chairperson of the National Organizing Committee for the conference, called on the government to intensify efforts in poverty alleviation as a critical step towards reducing insecurity. She highlighted the importance of empowering women and girls, noting that they are often the primary victims of kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.
“Empowering women and ensuring their security would enhance peace, as they are often the major victims of kidnapping and insecurity,” Durosinmi stated.
Prof. Durosinmi also stressed the significance of education in tackling insecurity, revealing that FOMWAN has been actively advocating for educational reforms, including a proposal to the National Assembly aimed at eradicating the almajiri system in Northern Nigeria. She argued that improving educational access and quality is essential for addressing the root causes of insecurity.
Speaking about the upcoming conference, National Amirah Hajia Rafiah Idowu Sani explained that the gathering would focus on finding solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, with a particular emphasis on insecurity. The conference is expected to generate recommendations that will be presented to President Bola Tinubu to help mitigate the insecurity crisis.
“Given the current global challenges, especially regarding security, FOMWAN believes we must gather and learn from our scholars on what Islam teaches us about these issues and how we can align our lives with the guidance of Allah for evaluating peace and security,” Sani said.
The conference, which covers sub-themes such as “Women and the Challenges of Insecurity,” “National Insecurity as a Collective Responsibility,” and “Tackling the Issues of Poverty: The Islamic View,” aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to insecurity and propose actionable solutions.
Prof. Saadiyaa Umar, National Board of Trustees member, used the platform to condemn the recent kidnapping of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a nursing mother and FOMWAN member, appealing for her immediate release.
“She’s nursing a baby. She’s one of our daughters. They should please release her,” Umar pleaded, urging the kidnappers to desist from their criminal activities and calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted persons.
The formal opening of the conference is scheduled to take place on Friday at the International Conference for Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Alagbaka, Akure.
