A University Don, Prof Yisa Yusuf of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state has charged womenfolk to establish synergy with all relevant agencies, ministries and organisations to fortify women against any form of insecurity.
Yusuf who made this call at the opening ceremony of the 39th Annual National Conference of Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN) holding in Akure, Ondo State capital.
Speaking on the theme: “Women and the Challenges of Insecurity,” Yusuf urged FOMWAN to protect women folks through various sensitization programmes in the face of the current socio-economic challenges in the country,
He said “Alternatively, women could acquire robust artisanal or trading skills to enhance economic self-reliance. Establishing or joining positive social support groups could also ensure women’s psychological and emotional health.
“Moreover, it would not be out of place, wherever possible, for women to acquire martial arts or self-defence skills. Women who have the means and the need for them could also procure licensed arms.
“Collaborative enlightenment or consciousness-raising programmes could also be established and ran with security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Close attention also needs to be paid to the opportunities for economic security which can come from government initiatives.
“In line with the direction of the presentation, I wish to recommend that FOMWAN invite and collaborate with other women associations to implement joint programmes towards enhancing the personal, domestic, social, economic and communal security of women in Nigeria.
“If FOMWAN is already doing this, I wish to encourage the association to intensify efforts in that direction. It is also desirable for FOMWAN to engage young female Muslims more robustly to be able to pass down effectively the noble values that the association is known for.
“Moving forward, given the nationwide presence and systematic structure of FOMWAN and the need to ease coordination and facilitate the achievement of its enlightenment mission, it would be immensely helpful for the association to establish a FOMWAN Radio, to start with.
“I commend FOMWAN for the impressive initiative of bringing the very critical and quite topical issue of women and insecurity to the fore.”
Yusuf enjoined the leadership of FOMWAN to encourage their members to join in active politics rather than being ordinary supporters of men.
“Since it has been observed that women constitute the most active party members and the predominant voters in many parts of the country, FOMWAN could leverage on this trend to enhance female political education and participation, and increase female access to funding for investment and other facilities for economic well-being.
“This can be made effective through working with the Supervisory Councilors for women affairs and related officials. There are also corresponding officials at the state and federal Ministries of Women Affairs/Special Duties with whom FOMWAN could collaborate,” Prof. Yusuf said.
Declaring open the conference, Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa commended FOMWAN on it’s achievements across the federation, particularly in area of education.
Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Special Adviser(Special Duties) Gani Mohammed, promised to continue to support the Federation in execution of its programmes.
In her welcome address,the National Amirah (President) of FOMWAN, Hajia Rafi’ah Idowu Sani reeled out the achievements of the Federation.
She solicited support from philanthropists, organizations and government for the implementation of its programmes which includes educating out-of-school children and women.
The Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Alhaja Lateefah Okunnu explained that “Education remains at the core of our mission in FOMWAN.
“We attained the status of stakeholder in the Basic Education Programme of the Federal Ministry of Education and remain a full member of the Consultative Committee on Education.
“We are automatically a stakeholder in the Almajiri programme and others that aim at making all children of school age to be in school.”
The President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, in Niigeria and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji(Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakr, ably represented, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Alhaji Chief Jamiu Ekungba, 90-year-old Alhaji Ahmad Aladesawe, Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, among other dignitaries at the conference.
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