Akume Assures Nigerians in Captivity of Their Freedom

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has reiterated its steadfast determination to secure the freedom of Nigerians held captive by bandits.

Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, delivered this assurance during a meeting with members of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), led by its National Amirah, Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza.

Akume pledged that every possible effort would be made to facilitate the safe return of captives, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening national security.

The SGF highlighted the crucial role of faith‑based organisations in addressing the country’s many challenges, urging them to intensify prayers for President Bola Tinubu and his administration.

He also expressed confidence that ongoing security operations and coordinated interventions would produce positive outcomes in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.

“Our mission on earth, our goal on earth is to promote, to preserve, and to prolong life. It’s not to shorten it. The government is doing everything to secure the release of all who are captured,” he said.

Akume praised FOMWAN for its steadfast contributions to national development, describing the association as a vital partner in promoting peace, advocacy, unity and social progress.

The SGF acknowledged the association’s commendation of the Tinubu administration, noting that governance is often challenging regardless of a country’s level of development.

He emphasized that effective leadership is measured by its ability to respond decisively to emerging challenges, and that the federal government places a premium on the contributions of faith‑based organisations in fostering national cohesion, tackling insecurity and advancing development. He also highlighted that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on women’s empowerment.

Earlier, FOMWAN National Amirah Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza stated that the association remains committed to promoting the values of Islam through Da’awah, while advancing the socio‑economic development of women, youths and children through quality education, healthcare, humanitarian services, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and advocacy.

She praised the federal government for its nation‑building efforts, particularly in security, education, humanitarian response, social protection and women’s development.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of security agencies in combating insecurity, she urged the government to further strengthen the nation’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, greater community engagement, enhanced protection of vulnerable communities and measures to address the socio‑economic factors driving insecurity.

She reaffirmed FOMWAN’s commitment to supporting peacebuilding, family strengthening, youth development and civic responsibility across the country.

Hamza, who appealed for stronger institutional collaboration with the federal government, noted that for more than four decades the association has contributed to national development through women empowerment, education, literacy programmes, health interventions, humanitarian services and social welfare initiatives.

She requested support for the renovation of the association’s national secretariat, the establishment of additional skills acquisition and women empowerment centres, provision of an official operational vehicle, strengthening of state‑level operations, and assistance for its forthcoming National Annual Conference scheduled for August in Abia State.