Lifeline for single mothers

For 11 years, Helen Dania, Lead Pastor of Apostle Royal Church, has been showing up for single mothers in need and their children.

Through her NGO, Women on the Frontline Empowerment Initiative, she has made visible impact in homes across Lagos and beyond.

Beneficiaries say the initiative has paid school fees, rented houses, and provided consistent support where government and family failed.

Grace Augustine, one of the women who gathered to celebrate Apostle Dania as she turns 66, said two of her children completed secondary education with assistance from the initiative.

“She rented a house for me. Anytime I come to her for help, she’s always there for me. My prayer for her is that God will continue to keep her, increase, and empower her,” she prayed.

For other single mothers like Bukola Olatunji, a mother of three, the NGO has been a lifeline.

“The NGO has been so supportive to me and my children in multiple ways,” she said.

“She will not die before her time in the name of Jesus. Her calling will continue to wax strong in the name of Jesus,” she prayed, asking God to further bless and enrich the celebrant.

With a sense of gratitude to God and service to humanity, Apostle Dania declared that her works of charity go beyond Lagos.

“I’ve taken this NGO all over the world, and I have been giving, and I keep giving.

“I always say that I give not because I have so much. I give because there is a need. The Bible made us understand that there shall always be the needy, and the poor in our midst.

“So when I look around, and I know the truth that there is so much I can do because I’m a woman that God has blessed. The Bible says we should share the blessings, and that is exactly what I do.”

There was jubilation in the hall with songs of praise and dance as members, friends, and the women she had supported gathered to celebrate her.

Well-wishers poured encomiums on her, describing her as a mother, giver, and woman of honour whose life has touched many.

Mrs Patricia Nwanode called her a great woman of God.

“She is a mother and generous mentor. A woman with a heart of gold. I love her courage, her boldness, and her motherhood strength.

“It takes only a mother to do this kind of thing. The Lord Almighty will preserve her. She will not labour and another will enjoy. She will eat the fruit of her labour, and finally, she will make heaven in the end,” she prayed.

Mrs Faith Alabi of Christlike Faith Church, who said she had known the celebrant for 15 years, also celebrated her.

“The celebrant is a woman of honour, a woman of dignity. She’s a giver. She’s a true mother, and she loves with all her heart. She doesn’t want anybody to be in lack or to suffer. God has been lifting her children and her family for this,” she said.

Alabi prayed: “I celebrate her 66th birthday, and I pray for her to live long, till Jesus tarries. In Jesus’ name.”

Commander Daniel, a retired naval officer and husband of the celebrant, said the day was one of the happiest of his life.

“I’m so grateful because this is one of the happiest days in my life. Seeing my wife growing is a thing of happiness, so I’m very happy today. This is one of my best days and we are celebrating it.

“We started little at the early stage of our life, and she has been there for me. She tolerated my being absent at home due to my job. Sailor’s life is very terrible. Sometimes I leave her for two years outside the station and go abroad. I came back to meet her, so she was able to tolerate me, so I’ve enjoyed it for a long time.

“I have no cause to regret it at all. I wish her long life and good health in Jesus’ mighty name,” he said.

Apostle Dania expressed gratitude to God for life and health.

“There are so many things I’m grateful to God for. Most importantly, I’m grateful to God for my life. The good health, and then all the things that he has provided for me. He took me in and nursed me to maturity,” she said.