Stampede: FOMWAN mourns veteran journalist Hajiya Bilkisu

The Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), has expressed shock over the death of Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf its former national leader and veteran Journalist. Mrs Mairo Sani, the leader of FOMWAN in Plateau, who made the statement, described the deceased as “God-fearing and compassionate woman.’’ Sani said on Friday in Jos that the late Bilkisu was among the over 700 pilgrims who lost their lives during the stampede. She said that the deceased operated an open door policy when she led the organisation. “Bilkisu will be remembered for her humility; as a mentor; mother to all; an advocate of peace and someone whose door was open to anyone that requires her counsel,’’ she said. Sani added that the late Bilkisu would be remembered for her doggedness in championing the resettlement of the IDPs who affected by insurgent attacks in the North-East. She recalled that the last function attended by the deceased was the national conference of FOMWAN held in August in Ilorin where she delivered a paper on the need for women to be advocate for peace. Sani also recalled that the deceased was among the team that facilitated the construction of the association’s national headquarters in Abuja. “It is a great loss to us, but God knows all. We mourn her but we know Allah has a special plan for her, she said. NAN report that the late Bilikisu was the first female editor from Northern Nigeria. She worked as editor of the New Nigerian Newspapers and the Citizens magazine in Kaduna She also worked with the Triumph Newspaper in Kano and as a columnist.