By Gloria Osemudiamhen
The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani, has emphasized the critical role of women coupled with the transformative power of strategic and fervent prayers in shaping individual lives as contributions to national development.
Mrs. Anani made the emphasis in her address during the 23rd Annual Diocesan Mothers’ Union and Women Guild Conference at the St. David’s Anglican Church, Uwenujie, Irrua, in Edo State. She explained the pivotal role of prayer in nation-building, citing the example of Hannah, whose fervent prayers yielded positive outcomes. She affirmed that prayer is a key role for women in driving positive change today.
She added, “Today, I will say that our renewed hope is rooted in Christ. The Bible says His mercies are new every morning. So, every day you wake up, you’re assured of renewed hope in Christ. Any situation can change with prayer. When you see things going wrong, pray. It’s only prayer that turns things around and it’s only God, through prayer, that can give you the renewed hope you’re looking for. Things change in the place of prayer. They say when women pray, things happen.”
She admonished that Christian women’s actions matter and warned against destructive behaviors like sexual sin, greed, jealousy, and lies, which hinder growth, saying, “The time that you are supposed to be doing productive things, you are busy gossiping about your neighbour, bringing another woman down. When you can be productive in your farms, productive in your businesses. As you are productive, you are adding to the growth of this State and our Nation.”
Mrs. Anani stressed the crucial role of women in nation-building, asserting that they are the bedrock and backbone of every society without whom nothing thrives. She drew inspirations from biblical figures like Deborah, Hannah, and Esther, encouraging women to pray, tap into their God-given potential, and lead positive change.
Mrs. Anani concluded by referencing the Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman, whom she described as a home builder, who diligently cares for her family and extends kindness to others and also emphasized the virtues of a God-fearing woman, citing the Biblical Proverb that says, “Beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
The wife of the Bishop of the Diocese of Esanland, Anglican Communion Ekpoma, Dr. Chidalu Elabor, commended Mrs. Anani for her inspiring message and encouraged every woman to emulate the virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman.
Highpoint of the Conference was the Sermon delivered by Ven. Titus Oloye and titled, “Dealing with Self and Flesh.” He explained the concept of the flesh and its implications, offering practical insights on how to overcome its influences.
