Date: 2020-12-25

The Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria has expressed sadness over the death of Sheikh Ahmed Lemu.

The FOMWAN Chairperson, Publication and Publicity, Hajia Bilqees Oladimeji, in a statement issued in Ilorin on Thursday, described the late Islamic scholar as a pillar and father-figure.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Lemu, a renowned Islamic scholar and retired Grand Khadi, died on Thursday in Minna, Niger at the age of 91.

Oladimeji also quoted the National Amirah of FOMWAN, Hajiya Halima Jubril, as saying that Lemu contributed to the emancipation of Muslims in Nigeria. "In the 70s, when missionary schools could not provide teachers of Islamic Studies for Muslim students in mission schools, the late Lemu and his team immediately hired and posted teachers to those mission schools," she said.

She recalled that the deceased was instrumental to the acquisition of Islamic education by some women, thus influencing their development.

"For FOMWAN, he was a solid pillar, patron and teacher who inspired Muslim women unto success.

"Under his tutelage, FOMWAN members studied the Quran and Hadith as well as their application to everyday life.

"He was a champion of women's rights, as granted by Allah," she remarked. Oladimeji also described the late Lemu as a fearless judge and committed supporter of the development of the Ummah.

NAN reports that the late Lemu is best remembered for leading the committee set up by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 to review the violence that characterised that year's presidential election.

NAN