THE Women’s Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Southwest Zone, has issued a call for women to rise up and be repositioned for growth and development in the face of the challenges confronting the nation. The call was made at the WOWICAN Southwest 10th annual zonal convention, investiture, award presentation, and women’s empowerment held in Lagos at the Apostolic Church of Nigeria, LAWNA Territory, Ketu.
In her welcome address at the four-day event with the theme, ‘Repositioning Women For Growth and Development’, Chairperson, WOWICAN Southwest Zone, Most Senior Mother-in-Israel, Prophetess Odunola Raji-Adebesin, noted that Christian women were greatly endowed with intellect and godly ambition, hence the need to maximise their talents in impacting the church and society positively.
She called for more prayers and watchfulness regarding the state of security in the nation while urging women to care for their homes, ensure godly parenting, and guide their children and wards against pornography, indecent dressing, and other social vices.
“It is high time we take our position and rulership of our great nation. We must unleash our talents with positive force to benefit the body of Christ and the entire nation. Let us be conscious of the situation in our country take extra caution in everything we do, be prayerful, watchful, and trust Him, security is of God.
“Dear mothers in Christ, it is mandatory for us to seek God diligently concerning our home, especially our marriage and children. Raising godly children is becoming a thing of the past, killing, maiming, indecent dressing, drug abuse, hookup, armed robbery, ritual, cultism, kidnapping for ransom, money laundering, extravagant living, watching porn, etc are the order of the day. There is a need to arise from sleep and take care of our children,” she stated.
Noting further, that it was a trying time in Nigeria, she said: “This country is in chaos, cost of living is skyrocketing, economic hardship is biting seriously, assistance from any angle is not coming, businesses are crunching, companies are folding up, indeed we are in a trying period. With focus, determination, self-discipline, steadfastness, and above all persistent prayer to God, we will reach the greater height prepared for us by God.”
Southwest Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Dr. Barnabas Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, said all forms of discrimination against women should be eradicated. At the same time, he called for economic empowerment initiatives to enable women to function maximally and contribute to local, national, and international development.
Akin-Akinsanya represented by CAN Southwest, Director for Education, Women and Youth Southwest Geo-Political Zone, Special Apostle Ayegbusi Emmanuel Taiwo partly stated: “The current status of women in our society and various social organisations is not ideal. In many societies, outdated perceptions about women’s roles still prevail, whereas the dignity of women deserves due recognition and positive appraisal.
“Women represent a significant portion of the population and their impact on growth and development from the family level to the global stage is highly prominent. We must combat all forms of discrimination against women in every sector, including faith-based organisations. Women should have access to quality education and should not be underrated in appointments to positions.”
Speaking with journalists, National Chairperson of WOWICAN, General Lady Superintendent, Dr. Ayobami Akinadewo, called on women to be more prayerful, diligent, and have unwavering faith. Also, she called on President Bola Tinubu and other national leaders to show more concern in tackling the problems of the citizens.
“My message to Nigerian Christian women is to be more prayerful, and have faith in God as things are still going to be fine. We should not be agitated. We should not think it’s the end of the road because at the end of the tunnel, there’s going to be light and we will rejoice. We will be the ones who eat the good of the land by His grace.
“Every one of us should put more faith in God. Don’t let your faith be withered, but rely on God for your sustainability, and amid nothing, God will bring out something. At this time, don’t just sit at home and expect somebody to bring something for you. You too go out and do something.
“I have a farm behind my house where I planted yam and okra, and I have a fish pond. Let every one of us do something. When we do something, things will be better. Don’t rely on people to bring everything for you, but you too, contribute your quota. If every one of us can do that, things will be better.
“To the leaders in government have the heart of a shepherd and care more. The president is trying, but he should do more. He should help us. He should think inwardly, look at where there is a problem, and try and solve it. We are behind him, we are with him and we know things are going to be better. Like I said, we will all eat the good of the land by God’s grace,” she said.
Founder of Love of Christ Generation Church, Reverend Mother Abimbola Esther Ajayi was part of the dignitaries at the event. Meanwhile, the awardees/honourees appreciated the body for recognising their efforts, while pledging support for the good of humanity and the advancement of the gospel.
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