Muslim women in Nigeria have expressed displeasure over the recent attacks against some Nigerians in South Africa.
They spoke at a programme, Sisters’ Dawah Conference, organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit on Sunday.
The conference, which was attended by about 10 Islamic organisations, was aimed at ensuring unity and development.
During the programme themed, ‘Our Strength: Our pride’, the women complained about the rate of intolerance around the globe.
While speaking at the sideline of the event, the Muslim women said every nation, tribe and religion should be considerate in dealing with others.
One of them, Amirah (female president) of MSSN Lagos, Hafsah Badru, said it was wrong for citizens of South Africa to consider Nigerians as less important to their country’s growth.
“No matter how great a nation can be, she should not consider others as being weak. It is wrong to think that because citizens of a particular country are not much, they should be subjected to attacks. They (Nigerians) have their own quota that they are contributing to the development of the nation (South Africa),” she said.
“Every nation must unite. They must take advantage of one another’s competitive advantage. This is exactly the focus of this conference. We (Muslim organisations) want to annex all our strength together to ensure peace, unity and development.”
Frowning at the attack against Nigerians, the Amirah of Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Sariyu Ashiru, asked African leaders to shun disunity.
“Togetherness aids unity and achievement of a common goal. We really need to seek God’s intervention concerning the numerous vices witness in different parts of the world,” she said.
Amirah of Ansar-ud-Deen Youth Association of Nigeria (ADYAN), Fatimo Salam, faulted South Africans for being intolerant.
“It all boils down to being tolerant and having a strong mindset for peace. People around the world must learn to leave together in peace and harmony,” she said.
Guest speaker of the conference, Imam Abdullahi Shuaib, challenged the South African government to make its stand on the attack known to the world.
“Government of South Africa needs to show the public that they are on top of the situation. The media must also stop inciting and hate reports against Nigerians, especially those that are legal immigrants,” Shuaib, who is the chairman of Jaiz Zakat and Waqf Fund, said.
