- seek govt intervention
By John Dike, Osogbo
Muslim women in Osun State have expressed concern over what they described as persistent discrimination against women who wear the hijab, particularly during official documentation, examinations, and public service processes.
They spoke at a press conference held in Osogbo to mark the 2026 World Hijab Day, where they alleged cases of harassment, exclusion, and denial of access to public facilities because of their religious mode of dressing.
Speaking on behalf of the Association of Osun State Muslim Women, the Ameerah of the Osun State chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Dr. Mrs. Faoziyah Adenike Zubair, said Muslim women continue to face unfair treatment due to misconceptions about the hijab.
She explained that the association comprises representatives of all Muslim women groups across the state and meets annually to commemorate World Hijab Day.
“World Hijab Day is set aside globally to sensitise people and to show that hijab is a symbol of modesty and an honour bestowed on us by Almighty Allah,” she said, citing Qur’an 24:31.
She stressed that hijab represents discipline, dignity, and progress, rather than backwardness.
“Hijab is a symbol of humility, a symbol of progress and not retrogression, a symbol of decency and not barbarism, and a symbol of piety and not arrogance,” she said.
According to her, the theme of the 2026 celebration, ‘Unity in Hijab: Faith, Identity, and Sisterhood,’ underscores collective identity and solidarity among Muslim women.
“Hijab represents one of the visible symbols of the divine rope. When Muslim women uphold hijab together, it becomes a source of strength, solidarity, and shared purpose,” she said.
“It is a unified stand for moral values in a world increasingly challenged by moral confusion and identity crises.”
She further noted that diversity in style and culture does not negate unity in faith.
“Styles, colours, and cultures may differ, but the essence remains the same — modesty as an act of faith,” she added, referencing Qur’an 49:13.
Dr. Zubair also urged Muslim women to embrace the hijab consistently and correctly.
“Hijab should not be a sometimes idea. It should be worn wholeheartedly because it is Allah’s command,” she said.
“It is not worn to please humanity but in obedience to Allah, and we should be mindful of how it is worn during social occasions.”
Highlighting specific challenges, she lamented that Muslim women often face difficulties during biometric capturing for official purposes such as Hajj registration and immigration documentation.
“They will be asked to remove their hijab because it is covering the ear. Sometimes, people mock us, and this has nothing to do with our intelligence. Muslim women are capable and competent in all areas,”
Also speaking, Alhaja Medinah Adeola Ogbeji described the hijab as a symbol of dignity and obedience to God, dismissing claims that it limits women’s participation in society.
“There is respect for anyone who uses hijab anywhere. The respect is there,” she said.
“Hijab symbolises dignity. Muslim women are vibrant and can be found in every organisation. Wearing hijab does not mean one is ashamed of her beauty; it is Allah’s command and it protects us.”
Representing The Standard Bearers group, Mrs. Adewale Monsurat Lawal appealed to the government to intervene, citing reported cases of Muslim women being denied access to examination halls and official centres because of their hijab.
“The government should please allow women to use their hijab,” Lawal said.
“We have seen cases of sisters being sent out of examination halls and being denied capturing at immigration centres. We are appealing to the government because this is a fundamental right.”
As part of activities marking the celebration, the association announced plans to visit schools across Osogbo for hijab distribution, observe Jumat prayers, and host a grand World Hijab Day event scheduled for February 1 at Fakunle High School, Osogbo.
