World Hijab Day: OYO FOMWAN Marks World Hijab Day, Calls For End To All Forms Of Discrimination Against Hijab in Nigeria

By Ogundele Olanrewaju

As the world celebrates Hijab Day 2022, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN, Oyo State chapter has called for an end to all forms of hostility and discrimination against female muslims who choose not to dress immodestly but adorn themselves in hijab as commanded by Allah in the Glorious Q’uran.

This is just as the Association maintains that ” Discrimination against Hijab anywhere in the world is discrimination against modesty “

The Oyo State Amirah of FOMWAN, Alhaja Bushra Oloso made the call in a release issued in Ibadan to mark the World Hijab Day, 2022 which holds every 1st of February.

Alhaja Oloso said in line with the theme for this year’s celebration “Hijab is our Crown not a Crime”, hijab wearing muslims in Nigeria have not erred or committed any crime in the constitution for upholding the right to wear their God’s given crowns hence the harassment, assault, persecution and molestation in all forms in private or public places must stop.

” As we mark World Hijab Day 2022, there’s the need to again reiterate our call to all those who have continued to demonstrate open hatred and animosity for the use of hijab and even niqab to exhibit religious tolerance and allow muslim females to freely follow their religious teachings. As muslims, we will never oppose to anyone who is living by the dictates of his or her faith because freedom of religion is guaranteed in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. Hijab is the crown divinely ordained by Allah for the female muslims hence it is wrong and totally unwarranted for anyone to criminalize the crown. Just like anyone is free to dress scantily by exposing those parts that should ordinarily and commonsensibly be concealed, female muslims should be allowed to wear their hijabs and niqabs anywhere without fear of any form of discrimination. ” The statement said

According to Oyo FOMWAN Amirah, the increasing number of venomous molestations and acrimonious humiliations meted out to hijab and niqab wearing muslims in Nigeria especially in schools and work places are provocative, undeserving and unconstitutional.

Alhaja Oloso wondered why some principals, headteachers or anyone in positions of authority would remove hijabs or ordered the removal of hijabs from a muslimah.

” Who is afraid of the Hijab? This is why FOMWAN and other Islamic organizations have taken it upon themselves to educate the public on some Islamic teachings, tenets and principles. We are doing everything possible to end Hijabphobia in Nigeria. Hijab and niqabs are outward manifestations and demonstrations of our faith and teaching. It is not compulsory on those who do not profess Islam and they do not need to be afraid of it. ” Oyo FOMWAN Amirah said

She used the statement to appeal to Muslim parents to start introducing the use of Hijabs to their female children right from their formative ages adding that this will enable them to uphold Allah’s injunction as emphasized in Quran chapter 24 verse 31 and Quran 33 verse 59.