The Exco members of the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Imo State chapter, have expressed their delight and honour during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ Owerri Imo State, under the control of Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun.
Presenting her address during the visit on Wednesday, the 13th of August, 2025, the President of FOMWAN, Imo State chapter, Mrs. Anifat Bola Animashaun Ameerah, said that FOMWAN was established in 1985 to serves as a civil society group, and
an umbrella for Muslim Women Associations across Nigeria.
She opined that the association operates in all 36 states of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with its presence in over 700 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
Mrs. Ameerah, who used the medium to disclose the focus areas of FOMWAN, which include: education, Da’awah, health, humanitarian and community
development, good governance, youths, finance and resource mobilization, projects and capacity building; used the opportunity to formally welcome Comptr. Bishir Abdullahi Balogun to Imo State.
The FOMWAN President further expressed their appreciation to Comptr. Balogun for his humility and adherence to Islamic values, which captured their admiration, and as well prompted their resolve to associate with him.
In her words: “Sir, please permit us to inform you that FOMWAN as a
national body normally holds its Annual Conference, which is rotated
among states. But this year is special, because POMWAN is to celebrate its 40th Year Anniversary.
“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 going on seriously, and
Imo State chapter must participate with others.
“As we navigate our activities in Imo State, we sincerely hope for your continuous guidance and advice. It is with great respect and admiration that we propose to adopt you as our patron, understanding the importance of your role.
“May your stay in Imo State be joyous, as we pray Allah to continue to guide you in your responsible task of overseeing the security and affairs of the Nigeria Customs Service in Imo State.” Mrs. Ameerah stated.
In his response, the Controller of Customs Federal Operations
Unit Zone “C” Owerri, Comptroller Bishir Abdulahi Balogun, who received
the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), thanked the Exco for sustaining the tempo of the association for the good of all and sundry members.
Comptr. Balogun, who equally lauded FOMWAN, Imo State Chapter, led by its President, who paid him a courtesy visit at the unit, as part of their culture to familiarize and welcome him to Imo State; expressed his heartfelt
gratitude to the association, for its show of care and love towards him and the Unit in general.
Stating that “Mothers will always be mothers,” Comptroller Balogun
highlighted that his wife, the Chairperson of Customs Officers Wives
Association (COWA), Federal Operations Unit Zone “C” Owerri chapter, is also part of the association.
The Unit Comptroller, however, assured them of his unalloyed support and proper recognition of the association.
He further used the medium to call on the Exco and entire members of FOMWAN, Imo State chapter, to continue to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration and the Nigeria Customs Service, under the watch of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in his relentless fight against the importation of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition, among others in the country.
