emeka ozumba writes…
The Wife of the Governor of Anambra
State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano has said that she will sustain
partnership with the church on empowerment of women.
The governor’s wife made the pledge
Sunday at the Thanksgiving Service to close the 10th Diocesan Women's
Conference of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Mbamili
held at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Mmiata Anam, Anambra West Local
Government Area.
Mrs. Obiano, the founder of Caring
Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ), a Non-Governmental, non-partisan,
non-religious Organization engaged in the training and empowerment of women
especially indigent widows and the less privileged, commended the Mbamili
diocesan women for embarking on the construction of a skills acquisition
training center. Said Mrs. Obiano:
“I am happy to note that your
efforts are in line with the programmes of CAFÉ by ensuring that women of communities
in this area are trained to become self-reliant and able to assist their
husbands with the family upkeep. It is no longer convenient to act
stay-at-home-mother, rather get involved by earning an income. It will not only
earn you income but also boost your self-confidence.”
Mrs. Obiano explained that the
Obiano administration is focused on developing all parts of the state with
emphasis on the industrial and agrarian communities to ensure that agricultural
products are evacuated. She also assured the congregation that their requests
with respect to roads will be brought to the attention of the governor.
Earlier in a sermon, the Bishop of
Mbamili Diocese, Rt. Rev Henry Okeke said that the theme of the conference:
"Women as co-labourers with God", vests responsibility on the women
to always trust God in all they do and work for the good and progress of the
community. Bishop Okeke called on Christians in the area to embrace education
as a way out for the future, warning that like Mary Magdalene in the Bible
people will castigate and carry smear campaigns; warning: “don't allow anyone
to annoy you and make you revert to old ways.”
Bishop Henry Okeke commended
governor Obiano for good governance which according to him confirms that when
the righteous is on the throne the people rejoice. He also called for proper
assessment of the utilization of the N20m Community Choose-Your-Project
initiative before handing out the second batch to avoid abuse.
In Vote of thanks, President of the
Women ministry of Mbamili Diocese and wife of the Bishop, Mrs. Julie Okeke
expressed joy that the annual Conference was peaceful and successful and prayed
for the success of the Governor and the wife, Osodieme that she may continue in
her good work of giving women better lives.
The highpoint of the service were
the cutting of the Women Conference cake by Mrs. Obiano, the Bishop and wife
and other dignitaries in attendance.
