The Kwara State Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has reiterated its commitment to promoting education, social welfare, and community development as it marks its 40th anniversary.
In a statement issued by the chapter’s Amirah, Hajia Nimat Oluwatoyin Labaika, to commemorate the milestone, the group appreciated the support of Muslim women across the country, particularly those in the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State, for their unwavering dedication and contributions over the years.
Founded in 1985, FOMWAN emerged as a platform to unify Muslim women’s voices and promote Islamic values. With affiliations across numerous Asalatu groups in Kwara State such as Taoheed, Ansarul Islam, Ansarul-Deen, The Criterion, Unilorin Muslim Ladies’ Circle, and a host of others, the organisation has grown into one of the country’s most prominent religious and social advocacy groups.
To mark the nationwide week-long celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Kwara chapter joined other state branches to call for greater recognition of the role of women in national development and the protection of their rights in all spheres of life.
Over the past four decades, FOMWAN Kwara has made significant strides in areas including education, healthcare, advocacy, and humanitarian service. Under the auspices of its pioneer AMIRAH Alhaja Raliat Oyenike Sanni and her successor, Hajia Muslimah Kamaldeen (MON), both of whom are founding members and National Board of Trustees.
The association launched adult literacy programs and expanded its educational outreach as the year progresses
In 1994, it established a crèche at Baboko Market, which evolved into a Nursery/Primary School in 1998 and a special needs institution by 2009.
The association now operates three nursery/primary schools, one secondary school, 20 Islamiyyah schools in Kwara North, and a functional adult literacy class.
In collaboration with the Non-Governmental Associations for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS), it supports additional learners across the state.
To support inclusion, FOMWAN has awarded scholarships to vulnerable and special needs pupils, many of whom have progressed to secondary and tertiary institutions. One visually impaired beneficiary now runs a shoe-making business.
The organisation has also engaged in community-level interventions such as training and mentoring School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in 207 communities, donating wheelchairs to special needs children,empowerment of indigent women and fostering Almajiri and vulnerable children.
Notably, one of the fostered children graduated with a first class from the University of Ilorin in 2023 and is currently serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
In 2019, the group facilitated the enrollment of 200 out-of-school children, mostly Almajiri, into public schools. By 2022, a new foster care strategy led to significant retention and progression, with 56 pupils currently benefiting.
On healthcare, FOMWAN Kwara has partnered with the state’s Ministry of Health to promote routine immunization and train 100 people living with HIV/AIDS in vocational skills, providing them with seed funding to start small businesses.
Its humanitarian work includes drilling boreholes and digging wells to provide potable water in rural communities, as well as distributing food and essential household items to the needy.
Other achievements include the completion of a multipurpose hall that now generates revenue, the establishment of the FOMWAN Mosque, and the ongoing operation of a newly approved orphanage. The group also offers pre-marriage and career counseling services through its guidance and counseling arm.
FOMWAN Kwara also boasts of an active youth wing that engages in innovative initiatives aimed at nurturing future leaders.
Other activities include civic education and advocacy for good governance.
As it celebrates four decades of impact, the association pledged to continue working toward inclusive development and empowerment of women and the less privileged in society.
