By Chinenye Anuforo
The wife of the Bishop on the Niger, Dr. Elsie Nonyelum Nwokolo has passionately urged parents to prioritize skill acquisition for their male children, emphasizing its crucial role in their growth and future achievements.
Speaking at the 2025 Ogidi Archdeaconry Womens’ Conference held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Ogidi, Anambra State, Nwokolo voiced her concern that parental focus often leans towards discipline and training for girls, sometimes at the expense of providing boys with essential technical, life, and entrepreneurial skills. She stressed that equipping boys with these skills is vital for them to become productive members of society and contribute meaningfully to economic progress.
The three-day conference, themed “Christian Stewardship,” convened women from 24 churches within the Ogidi Archdeaconry for spiritual upliftment through seminars and workshops on spiritual growth, health, relationships, and prayers for the church and the nation. The Christian mothers attending were resplendent in white blouses and Anglican attire.
Decrying the prevalent “get rich quick” mentality among youths, particularly young men, Dr. Nwokolo stated, “it is essential for parents, educators, and policymakers to work together to create opportunities for skill acquisition and support the boy child in reaching their full potential.” Her advocacy underscored the importance of balanced parenting and education that emphasizes skill development for both genders to ensure their comprehensive development and future prosperity.
Dr. NenyeFrank Obi, the convener of the Women’s Conference and wife of the Archdeacon, addressed the state of the nation, urging women to assert their moral rights and resist all forms of emotional and physical abuse. “”It is time for women to stand firm and say ‘No’ to gender intimidation and sexual harassment which could possibly play out through verbal or physical body touch. A woman could as well be harassed through body language and signs. In all we women must stand firm and have a voice in the society no matter the pressure,”” she declared. While acknowledging the severe economic challenges facing Nigeria, she called for fervent prayers and effective economic policies to alleviate poverty.
Venerable Frank Obi, the Archdeacon of the Ogidi Archdeaconry and Vicar of St. Philips Anglican Church, Ogidi, advised women to maintain a crucial balance between their home responsibilities and careers. He also expressed concern over the increasing moral decay among the youth. “”Church teaches morals. It’s quite a pity that today some people are emphasizing on prosperity, prosperity, prosperity, prosperity. But the problem we have in our society starts from morality. If we get morality right, these things should not be happening,”” he lamented, referencing the recent execution of young Nigerians in Indonesia for drug-related offenses. He urged church leaders to prioritize moral teachings over excessive emphasis on prosperity, advocating for genuine endeavors over illicit activities like “yahoo, yahoo.” “”Of course, when we serve God, we know that God is a God of prosperity equally but we should teach morals so that our children, our generation, our society will be a better place,”” he emphasized.
Reverend Chukwudi Ezeobiaeri, the Chaplain of St Peter’s Anglican Church, Ogidi, and the host of the conference, encouraged women to cultivate Godly homes by raising their children in the teachings of the Lord. He affirmed that the conference theme, “Christian Stewardship,” was timely. “”Christian stewardship, what makes Christian stewardship different is that as a Christian, you don’t have to live the way the worldly people lives. Christianity has its own system so we follow the line of Christ in order to give services to the lord,”” he explained.
Lady Oby Obiakor, the president of the women’s fellowship home and abroad, expressed concern about the proliferation of worship centers and urged women to exercise discernment, particularly in matters of religion.
A highlight of the three-day event included a seminar on the “paradox of relationships,” skill acquisition training, health talks, and the presentation of “Jerusalem Mothers” awards to Ezinne Virginia Ebele, Ezinne Esther Okeru, Ezinne Gladys Amobi, and Mrs. Ibeto Chikodili Ebele for their significant contributions to the development of the church.