The outgoing Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has commended the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Oyo State Chapter, for its four decades of unwavering commitment to Islamic propagation, education, humanitarian services and community development, urging the association to embrace a renewed vision that responds to contemporary realities while remaining firmly rooted in Islamic principles.
Prof. Oloyede gave the charge yesterday while delivering the 40th Anniversary Lecture at the grand finale of activities marking the 40th anniversary of FOMWAN, Oyo State Chapter, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The grand finale attracted hundreds of FOMWAN members from all the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State, alongside government officials, Islamic scholars, traditional leaders, community stakeholders and invited guests.
Speaking on the theme, “FOMWAN at 40: Rethinking the Roles of Women in Islam,” Prof. Oloyede described the anniversary as a significant milestone that should not merely be celebrated but should also serve as an opportunity for sincere reflection, institutional assessment and strategic planning for the future.
He noted that the number forty occupies a unique place in Islamic tradition, symbolising maturity, spiritual transformation, preparation and renewed responsibility, making the celebration an appropriate moment for FOMWAN to examine its past achievements, present realities and future aspirations.
According to him, the association should continually ask itself three critical questions: where it is coming from, where it currently stands and where it intends to go in the years ahead.
He praised FOMWAN for demonstrating over the last forty years that Muslim women can remain committed to their faith and family while making remarkable contributions in education, healthcare, humanitarian interventions, advocacy, economic empowerment and public service.
The JAMB Registrar further challenged the association to embrace emerging issues such as technology, youth development, public accountability, ethical leadership and digital engagement, while sustaining its commitment to Islamic values, quality education, peaceful coexistence and social justice.
Representing Governor Seyi Makinde, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof. Misbau Babatunde, congratulated FOMWAN on attaining the remarkable milestone, describing the association as a dependable partner in promoting education, healthcare, moral values and community development.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion and Giwa Adinni of Oyo State, Alhaji Miftau Open Salau, congratulated FOMWAN on reaching the historic milestone of forty years, describing the association as one of the most organised and impactful Muslim women’s organisations in Nigeria.
He commended the leadership and members of FOMWAN for their consistency in promoting Islamic values, education, charity and community service, urging them to remain united and committed to their founding ideals.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Amirah of FOMWAN, Oyo State Chapter, Dr. Lateefat Olasumbo Dairo, expressed profound gratitude to Allah for preserving the association through four decades of impactful service to Islam and humanity.
She described the anniversary as a celebration of faith, sacrifice, resilience and collective commitment, paying glowing tributes to the founding members, past leaders and numerous volunteers whose dedication had sustained the organisation over the years.
Dr. Dairo reaffirmed the association’s resolve to continue promoting Islamic morals, women empowerment, quality education, family development, healthcare advocacy and humanitarian services across Oyo State.
One of the major highlights of the event was the official launch of the FOMWAN Oyo @40 Commemorative Magazine, chronicling the association’s history, achievements and remarkable contributions over the past four decades.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of prizes to outstanding winners of the Qur’an, Quiz and Essay Competitions organised to encourage Islamic scholarship and intellectual excellence among young Muslims.
In a colourful display of unity and organisational strength, members from the 33 Local Government Areas participated in a ceremonial march-past, drawing applause from guests and dignitaries.
The association equally honoured about 85 distinguished individuals and organisations with Awards of Excellence in recognition of their consistent support and invaluable contributions to the growth and success of FOMWAN over the years.
Past Amirahs of the association were also celebrated for their visionary leadership, dedication and enduring contributions to strengthening FOMWAN’s structures and expanding its impact across Oyo State.
