The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing the release of Nigerians held captive by bandits, assuring that no effort will be spared to ensure their safe return.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance on Friday while receiving the leadership of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), led by its National Amirah, Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza, in Abuja.
Akume said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to strengthening national security and intensifying efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities across the country.
“Our mission on earth, our goal on earth is to promote, preserve and prolong life. It is not to shorten it. The government is doing everything to secure the release of all who are captured,” he said.
The SGF called on faith-based organisations to continue praying for President Tinubu and his administration, stressing that such groups play a critical role in promoting peace, national unity and social development.
He expressed optimism that ongoing security operations and coordinated interventions by security agencies would produce positive results in the fight against insecurity.
Akume also commended FOMWAN for its contributions to national development, describing the association as a dependable partner in advancing peace, advocacy, social cohesion and community development.
While acknowledging the challenges of governance, he noted that effective leadership is measured by its ability to respond decisively to emerging issues, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda places significant emphasis on women’s empowerment and inclusive national development.
Earlier, FOMWAN National Amirah, Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza, said the association remained committed to promoting the values of Islam through Da’awah while advancing the socio-economic development of women, youths and children through education, healthcare, humanitarian services, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and advocacy.
She commended the Federal Government for its efforts in improving security, education, humanitarian response, social protection and women’s development, while acknowledging the sacrifices of security agencies in combating insecurity.
Hamza, however, urged the government to further strengthen the nation’s security architecture through enhanced intelligence gathering, deeper community engagement, improved protection of vulnerable communities and measures to address the socio-economic factors fueling insecurity.
She reaffirmed FOMWAN’s commitment to supporting peacebuilding, youth development, family strengthening and civic responsibility, while seeking stronger institutional collaboration with the Federal Government.
The FOMWAN leader also appealed for government support towards the renovation of the association’s national secretariat, the establishment of additional skills acquisition and women empowerment centres, provision of an operational vehicle, strengthening of its state chapters and assistance for its National Annual Conference scheduled to hold in August in Abia State.
