By Taofeek Lawal
More than 600 Muslim women from across Nigeria are expected to converge on Umuahia, Abia State, as the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria begins its 2026 Annual National Conference on Friday.
The conference, themed “Faith, Resilience and Responsibility: Muslim Women Responding to Challenges,” will bring together women leaders, scholars, professionals, entrepreneurs, youth representatives, development practitioners, policymakers and community stakeholders.
Speaking with journalists in Umuahia on Thursday, the 11th National Amirah of FOMWAN, Dr Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza, said the theme reflected the challenges confronting Nigerians and the need for collective action.
She listed insecurity, economic pressures, youth unemployment, social fragmentation, climate-related challenges and humanitarian crises among the issues affecting millions of Nigerians.
“These realities call for renewed commitment, collective responsibility, and purposeful leadership,” Hamza said.
She said Muslim women, guided by faith and motivated by service, should not allow the challenges facing the country to result in despair.
Rather, she said the difficulties should inspire resilience, compassion, innovation and constructive action.
“Faith provides moral direction, resilience enables us to persevere, and responsibility compels us to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of our communities and nation,” she said.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for participants to discuss practical responses to social and economic challenges while encouraging women to contribute more actively to community development and national progress.
FOMWAN’s annual gathering brings together stakeholders from different sectors and regions, providing an opportunity for participants to share experiences and develop collective responses to challenges affecting families and communities.
