FOMWAN laments rising drug abuse, moral decay among Nigerian youths
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has raised alarm over the high rate of drug abuse, moral bankruptcy, and anti-social tendencies among Nigerian youths, warning that the trend, if not urgently checked, poses a major threat to the nation’s future.
The group made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 40th Anniversary and Annual National Conference held in Kaduna, with the theme: “Empowering Muslim Women in the Face of Climate Change – Building Resilience, Sustainability and Community Development While Showcasing FOMWAN’s Achievements.”
FOMWAN applauded the recent collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle the drug scourge, especially in schools. It also pledged to support the fight by creating vibrant school programmes to bridge the vacuum caused by inadequate professional counsellors.
Beyond drug abuse, the conference noted that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a lived reality reflected in flooded farmlands, drought-stricken communities, rising food prices, and displaced families. It warned that unless urgent action is taken, strange weather patterns, desertification, severe rainfall, and extreme temperatures would continue to destabilize communities.
The communiqué stressed that Islam attaches great importance to climate mitigation, citing several Qur’anic references including Surat Al-Baqara, Al-Inshirah, Al-Rum, and Luqman which highlight the duty of Muslims to preserve the environment.
The organisation, which has survived 40 years “in unity despite all odds,” reiterated its commitment to empowering Muslim women for resilience and sustainability. Among its resolutions were:
• instituting tree-planting projects across communities,
• creating Green Ambassadors Clubs in FOMWAN schools,
• promoting alternative energy sources at the grassroots, and
• mobilising youth as “eco ambassadors” through responsible use of social media.
The conference further witnessed a change of leadership, with Dr. Fadimatu Sumaye Hamza emerging as the new National Amirah to pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years. Other executives include Hajia Zeenat Isiemekhan (Vice President), Hajia Hawau Abdullah (PRO), Khadijah Olahan (Da’wah Officer), and Dr. Halima Egberongbe (Assistant Secretary).
FOMWAN called on government, stakeholders, and individuals to take immediate action on the challenges of climate change, drug abuse, insecurity, and youth restiveness, while reaffirming its commitment to community development and the protection of women and children.
The five-day international conference was declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaibah Ahmed. In attendance were the Wife of the President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hajia Fatima Tajudeen Abbas; Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, represented by Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir; Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Prof. Abdul Jalal Abdullah Dan Baba.
Others included the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmad Nuhu Bamali; Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Mahmoud Gumi; Hon. Bello El-Rufai Muhammad; and the keynote speaker, Prof. Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary of NERDC. Over 1,550 delegates from Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT attended, alongside representatives of FOMWAN UK, Ghana, and Niger Republic. UN Deputy Secretary General, Hajia Amina Mohammed, also delivered a goodwill message virtually.
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