In a resounding demonstration of how faith-based action can drive community healthcare, the Cross River State Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has been honored with the Best Mobiliser Award by the Pink Africa Foundation.

The recognition stems from FOMWAN’s key role in driving grassroots outreach, public education, and free medical screenings during the foundation’s annual cancer awareness campaign held in Calabar on October 24, 2026.

Grassroots Outreach in Action

The joint initiative kicked off with a high-visibility awareness walk through Calabar to demystify cancer diagnosis and emphasize the urgency of early detection. Beyond street-level advocacy, the outreach provided free, accessible medical screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.

For scores of local Muslim women—both FOMWAN members and non-members—the event provided vital access to diagnostic services that are often out of reach due to economic or social barriers.

Leadership Reacts

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Accepting the award, the State President and Ameerah of FOMWAN, Hajia Lateefah Yahaya Idinye, noted that the honor serves as fuel for expanding their community work.

“We are grateful to Pink Africa Foundation and all the partners for recognizing FOMWAN’s contributions. This award is a testament to the commitment, dedication, and collective efforts of our members, who have continued to mobilize Muslim women and support initiatives that improve the wellbeing of our communities.”

— Hajia Lateefah Yahaya Idinye, Cross River State Ameerah, FOMWAN

Idinye stressed that health equity must transcend demographic boundaries:

Universal Access: Every woman deserves health information and care, regardless of faith, background, or income.

Proactive Screening: Encouraging women to take routine health check-ups seriously before symptoms appear.

Sustained Partnerships: Reaffirming FOMWAN’s readiness to collaborate with NGOs, medical providers, and state actors to expand preventive care.

Organizers cited FOMWAN’s consistent turnout, effective network, and sustained commitment as decisive factors in conferring the Best Mobiliser Award. The partnership highlights how religious organizations can serve as powerful frontline bridges in public health advocacy.