By Bon Peters
OWERRI/Nigeria: The Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Imo State Chapter, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bishir Abdulahi Balogun, at the Command headquarters in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Leading the delegation of executive members, FOMWAN State President, Mrs. Anifat Bola Animashaun Ameerah, expressed the association’s delight at meeting the Comptroller, describing the occasion as an honour. “We are delighted and honored to be in your esteemed presence today,” she said.
Providing insight into the group’s activities, Mrs. Animashaun explained that FOMWAN, established in 1985, serves as an umbrella body for Muslim women associations across the country. She noted that the association operates in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a presence in over 700 local government areas.
She highlighted the organization’s focus areas, which include education, Da’awah, health, humanitarian and community development, good governance, youth empowerment, finance and resource mobilization, projects, and capacity building.
According to her, the visit was an opportunity to extend a warm welcome to Comptroller Balogun in Imo State and to commend his humility and adherence to Islamic values, which she said inspired FOMWAN to associate with him. She also informed the Comptroller about the association’s annual conference, which rotates among states. “In 2012, Imo State hosted the annual conference and it was a huge success. This year, from August 19th to 24th, Kaduna will host the 40th anniversary, and Imo Chapter must participate,” she stated.
The FOMWAN President further appealed for Balogun’s guidance and encouragement in their activities in the state, while proposing to adopt him as the association’s patron. She prayed for Allah’s blessings upon him and his assignment in Imo State.
Responding, an elated Comptroller Balogun expressed gratitude for the visit and assured the women of his support. “I am very delighted for this show of gratitude and care towards me in particular and the unit in general,” he said. “Mothers will always be mothers. Every man, no matter how highly placed, must accord our mothers the respect they deserve.”
He also noted that his wife, who serves as Chairperson of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) in FOU Zone C, Owerri, is automatically a member of FOMWAN, which further strengthens the bond between the two groups.
Balogun assured the association of collaboration, stressing that their objectives align with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. “FOU Zone C, Owerri, will be glad to partner with your association and accord you recognition,” he affirmed.
