General Meeting – Praying, Reporting & Organising Together

General meetings for the state are held fortnightly, hosted by a different branch each time.

All LG (Local Government) branch members are welcome, but it is almost compulsory for those holding offices, especially Amirahs and Naibahs (Amirahs’ seconds), who submit reports on the branch’s activities.
However, it is difficult for women to spend one Sunday every two weeks away from home due to the increased cost of fuel and transport and the domestic responsibilities that fall on their shoulders.

“When the girls were small, I couldn’t go as I go now! It is of most importance to take care of our children and husband first.”

Thus, they will mostly come when the Meeting is held in their zone and send their reports (when they do) through the general or Amirahs-only WhatsApp platforms.

This time, apart from the executives from st State Chapters, only 6 of 34 Fomwan Local Governments are represented.

The meeting usually follows the same following structure

• Asalatu : reading and recitation of the booklet printed by the FOMWAN Oyo State chapter containing a selection of quranic surahs or ayats. The first to arrive starts the recitation until everyone has joined.
• Coran reading
• Health Talk
• Presentation of State executive members, Zonal coordinators and LGs Amirahs
• Reading and correction of the last meeting’s minutes
• Discussion of important topics concerning the whole State (Hijab Day, Elections, Ramadan lectures, etc)
• Submission of reports
• Final prayer
• Performing of salat together (prayer)
• Sharing of one meal prepared by the hosting branch.

During the meeting, members are invited to sign their names in a large book and the Muslim organisation/association they represent. The woman in charge of marketing goes around the room and introduces the members to the new merchandising items that can be purchased to support the state chapter: small and large purses, handkerchiefs, hijabs, scarves, water bottles, and others, with prices ranging from N150 to N12,000.

Each time, they will also set up a table where the health officer takes the blood pressure of the members who wish to do so and answers any questions they have about their health.

---

---