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By: Our Reporter, Calabar
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Cross River State Chapter, has won the Best Mobiliser Award for its outstanding contribution to cancer awareness, grassroots mobilisation and sustained partnership with Pink Africa Foundation in the fight against cancer.
The award followed the association’s impressive participation in a cancer awareness and free medical screening programme organised by Pink Africa Foundation in collaboration with FOMWAN and other partners on October 24, 2026, in Calabar ,Cross River State.
The programme commenced with an awareness walk to draw public attention to the dangers of cancer and the importance of early detection.
It also featured health education and sensitisation sessions, culminating in free medical screening for breast, cervical and prostate cancer.
Several Muslim women, including FOMWAN members and non-members, benefited from the free medical intervention, which was designed to improve access to essential healthcare services, promote preventive health practices and encourage early diagnosis.
Speaking on the recognition, the Cross River State President and Ameerah of FOMWAN, Hajia Lateefah Yahaya Idinye, described the award as an encouragement to the association to intensify its commitment to community health advocacy and humanitarian service.
She said, “We are grateful to Pink Africa Foundation and all the partners for recognising FOMWAN’s contributions.
This award is a testament to the commitment, dedication and collective efforts of our members, who have continued to mobilise muslim women and support initiatives that improve the wellbeing of our communities.”
Idinye stressed the importance of regular medical screening and public awareness, noting that early detection remains critical in the prevention and effective management of cancer.
She added, “Our interest goes beyond receiving awards. We want to see more Muslim women become conscious of their health, take advantage of available screening opportunities and encourage others to do the same.
“Every woman deserves access to health information and appropriate medical attention, irrespective of her religious, social or economic background.”
The FOMWAN president also commended Pink Africa Foundation and other collaborating organisations for providing the platform for women and other members of the public to benefit from free medical services.
She reiterated the association’s readiness to sustain partnerships with relevant organisations, healthcare providers and development partners to expand health awareness and improve access to medical interventions at the grassroots.
The Best Mobiliser Award, according to the organisers’ recognition, reflects FOMWAN’s consistent participation, effective grassroots engagement and sustained collaboration with the foundation over the years.
The initiative further highlights the role of faith-based organisations in advancing public health education, particularly in communities where awareness and access to preventive healthcare services remain important challenges.
FOMWAN, through its Cross River State Chapter, reaffirmed its commitment to women’s welfare, community development, health advocacy and humanitarian interventions, while encouraging more women to prioritise regular medical check-ups and early detection.
