Akwa Ibom women have been charged not to relent in showcasing diligence, resourcefulness and godly virtues in their families, church and the society at large.
Wife of the State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno gave the charge Sunday, in a sermon during the grand finale of the 2024 Mother’s Emphasis Week and thanksgiving service organized by the Uyo Cathedral Women’s Guild of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.
The service which coincided with the State International Women’s Day Interdenominational Thanksgiving, had as it’s theme – More than conquerors, and a sub theme – the Victorious Christian Woman.
Pastor Patience Eno who was the Guest Minister at the service, preached on the theme, “Who is A Real Woman”, and described a virtuous woman as one who does not succumb to pressure, but exhibits diligence, compassion, care, stands in the gap and sacrifices her comfort for the well-being of the family.
While alluding that mothers are strong pillers in the society, Pastor Patience Eno recognised women whose legacies are engraved in the sands of time, using Mary Slessor, who stopped the killing of twins, the mother of Moses, Hagar and other notable characters from the Bible as example, charging Akwa Ibom women to wake up to their responsibilities and be alert to their environment.
Leading the women in a session of thanksgiving, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, thanked God for the establishment of the ministry and the strides of the pioneer Commissioner Obong Eme Essien, which she said has opened a pathway for the voices of women to be heard, as they now occupy key positions in the state.
Dr. Adiakpan who hinted that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs is set to revive the Women Development centres in States to encourage skills acquisition, mandated Akwa Ibom women to engage in farming so as to continue as the support base of their families.
Presenting a goodwill message, Women’s Guild Desk Coordinator in the church, the Rev. Uchenna Chigozie, who expressed gratitude to Pastor Patience Umo Eno for being a blessing to the Women of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State, described a virtuous Christian woman as a female gender or adult who has won a game, competition, war, election or struggle in the face of opposition, challenge or danger.
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Special intercessory prayers were offered for women expecting fruits of the womb, and for God’s intervention in the economic situation in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom.
Highpoints of the event were the decoration of the First Lady with the Mary Slessor attire and other gifts, as well as the cutting of the women’s Mothering Sunday cake.
The Service which had in attendance female Commissioners, Female Political Stakeholders, Women Groups, Wives of Paramount Rulers, Mbong Iban, Iban Mbong and Wives of legionnaires, featured, hymns, Choir renditions, praise and worship sessions as well as the presentation of wrappers and cash to thirty (30) outstanding and active mothers in Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, 73 Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo by the wife of the Governor.
Media Unit,
Office of the Wife of the Governor, AKS,
March 10, 2024.