Blogs

The Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Imo State Chapter, has paid a courtesy visit Wednesday to the Customs Controller, Federal Operations unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, the Imo state capital. Leading other Executive members, (FOMWAN) President, Mrs. Anifat Bola Animashaun Ameerah in her remarks has expressed delight of the Association to visit Comptroller Bishir Abdulahi Balogun insisting that the Association was delighted and honoured to be in his presence.

"We are delighted and honored to be in your esteemed presence today” she said.

Giving details about the association, she said "FOMWAN, established in 1985, serves as a civil society and an umbrella for Muslim Women Associations across Nigeria, operating in all 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with a presence in over 700 Local Government Areas."

The FOMWAN President added "Our focus areas encompass education, Da’awah, health, humanitarian and community development, good governance, youths, finance and resource mobilization, projects and capacity building.”

Speaking further, she noted that  the visit has accorded them the  opportunity to extend their warm welcome  officially to  Comptroller Balogun  in Imo State even as they  expressed  their appreciation to  his humility and adherence to Islamic values, which  they said  have captured their admiration and prompted FOMWAN to associate with him.

Her words, "sir, please permit us to inform you that FOMWAN as a national body holds Annual Conference which is rotated among states and 40th Anniversary of FOMWAN."

"In 2012 Imo state hosted the annual conference and it was a huge success."

"This year August 19th to 24th, 2025, Kaduna will host all the states and preparations have been seriously going on, Imo Chapter must participate with others" she insisted

She further reiterated that "As we navigate our activities in Imo State, we sincerely hope for your continuous guidance and encouragement."  "It is with great respect and admiration that we propose to adopt you as our patron, understanding the importance of your role.”

The association however wished Comptroller Balogun a joyous stay in Imo state praying that Allah should continue to guide him in his responsible task of overseeing the Customs Federal Operations Unit Zone C Imo State.

Addressing the association, the highly elated Comptroller Balogun expressed satisfaction with the visit insisting that he would not take it for granted.

"Am very delighted for this show of gratitude and care towards me in particular and the unit in general.

Speaking further, he added, "Mothers will always be Mothers “noting that "everyman no matter how highly placed must accord our mothers respect which they deserve"

On the synergy and collaboration between Customs FOU Zone C, and FOMWAN, he informed them that his wife being the chapter Chairperson of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) in FOU Zone C, Owerri, is automatically their member assuring them of his unalloyed support and encouragement to move their association forward.

Continuing, Comptroller, Balogun said,  "I have listened carefully to your address, and am glad to inform you that some  of the things you said  are in-line with the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR mandate on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the Nigeria Customs Service."

“FOU Zone C, Owerri, will be glad to partner with your association and accord you recognition” he assured.

Credit: Bon Peters