By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has organised a climate change sensitisation con...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has organised a climate change sensitisation conference aimed at empowering Muslim women with knowledge and strategies to address environmental challenges in their communities.
Held at the FOMWAN School auditorium in Minna, the event was part of the step-down activities following the 40th National Conference of the association, and also marked the conclusion of the tenure of the outgoing Amirah of Niger State, Hajia Hauwa Kulu Abdullahi.
In her address, Amirah Hauwa Kulu Abdullahi emphasised that the fight against climate change aligns with Islamic teachings and urged Muslim women to take proactive steps in protecting their environment.
“This will be the last conference I will preside over as Amirah of FOMWAN in Niger State. Climate change is not just a scientific issue — it is deeply rooted in Islam. We are taught in the Qur’an and Hadith to protect our environment. As individuals and communities, we must not wait for the government alone. We all have a role to play in preserving our lives, health, and surroundings,” she stated.
She explained that local government leaders of the association were invited to the conference to receive training and spread awareness in their communities.
“We are encouraging women to advise one another and take initiatives that will safeguard their environments — from preventing soil erosion and desertification to ensuring cleaner surroundings. These actions are necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change,” she said.
Hajia Hauwa also highlighted the broader impact of her tenure, noting that FOMWAN in Niger State had made significant contributions in the areas of women’s rights, education, healthcare, and social development, beyond just environmental advocacy.
She added that many people remain unaware of the severity of climate change, despite clear references in Islamic texts.
“If you listened to today’s lecture, you would have heard verses from the Qur’an and Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that talk about the environment and our duty to protect it. Allah created the heavens and the earth before He created man. He placed Adam in a garden, showing us the importance of a clean, safe, and healthy environment. Yet today, due to our negligence, we are suffering the consequences such as flooding, erosion, and pollution,” she said.
“We organised this event as a form of religious duty — protecting the environment is an act of worship. Muslim women must understand their roles and help their families and communities take action against global warming.”
Speaking at the event, Professor Aishatu Abdulkadir of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, who delivered the keynote paper, emphasised the urgent need for action.
“Climate change is a reality, and its impacts are becoming more severe. As Muslims, we have a divine responsibility to care for the Earth. FOMWAN’s decision to focus this year’s step-down conference on climate change is commendable. We must educate ourselves, spread the message, and act collectively,” she said.
Professor Abdulkadir noted that the Qur’an encourages balance and stewardship of the Earth, and that the negligence of this trust is among the reasons societies are suffering today.
Also speaking, Malama Halima Jibrin, a senior member of the association, called for more community-driven research and action.
“Muslim women must take the lead in protecting the environment. A clean, safe environment leads to better health and a better life. We cannot wait for the government to do everything. Women are the backbone of communities and must be at the forefront of driving positive environmental change,” she said.
The conference was chaired by Professor Bashir Nuhu Tachi, a renowned climate change expert, who commended FOMWAN for its continued leadership in community development and environmental advocacy.
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