FOMWAN asks Benue to include it in health programmes
- Muslim women's group FOMWAN has asked Benue's health ministry to bring it into its programmes.
- Its leaders met Health Commissioner Dr Paul Ogwuche in Makurdi to offer community networks.
- The ministry said it is open to working with the group on maternal and child health.
The Benue State chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women's Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has asked the state government to give it a role in health programmes, saying its reach into communities can help get health messages to families.
The request came during a visit to the Ministry of Health and Human Services in Makurdi, where the group's leaders met Commissioner Dr Paul Ogwuche.
The team was led by FOMWAN's North Central zonal coordinator, Hajia Afusat Afolabi, and the state Amira, Hajia Jamila Iliyasu, according to reports of the meeting.
What the group wants
Iliyasu said the visit was meant to introduce the chapter's new leadership, explain what FOMWAN does and look for ways to work with the ministry.
She listed the group's work in schools, relief for the needy, support for women and general community development.
She also said FOMWAN is ready to back Governor Hyacinth Alia's development plans by mobilising people at the grassroots.
The group asked to be included in ministry activities, arguing that its networks can spread health awareness, encourage prevention and help women, children and other vulnerable people get care more easily.
Ministry's response
Ogwuche, who received the delegation alongside Permanent Secretary Dr Cephas Hough and other officials, praised FOMWAN's record in health and education advocacy and in helping communities.
He said the government needs trusted civil society and faith-based groups to carry its policies to the people, and that such partnerships help turn the governor's plans into real gains.
The ministry, he said, is willing to look at working with FOMWAN on health promotion, maternal and child health, community mobilisation and support for vulnerable people, within its existing programmes.
He stressed that health gains last longer when residents are informed and involved, rather than when government simply spends on projects.
Hough urged the group to keep talking to the ministry's departments so that the discussions lead to real action and results for women, children and the wider public.
Prayers were said for peace and unity in Benue and Nigeria.
FOMWAN is a faith-based non-governmental organisation that works on the welfare of women, children and society through education, advocacy, relief work and community development.
What happens next: The two sides agreed to explore specific areas of cooperation. Nothing has been signed yet, and no timeline was given for any joint programme.
