On September 9, 2024, the Enugu Women Prayer Network gathered once again at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, for the September edition of their monthly prayer meeting. The event, centered around the theme of unity, saw an impressive turnout of women from various sectors, making it a truly inclusive event. Women members of the House of Assembly, state commissioners, representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Catholic Women Organizations (CWO), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), professional bodies, and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), women stakeholders, gospel ministers, and political figures, all united in prayer for the progress and peace of Enugu State.
In his sermon, the Chaplain, Enugu State Government House, Rev Fr Chijioke Ude, passionately spoke on the theme of unity. He emphasized the need for harmony among women, urging them to embrace one another, work together, and foster unity within their families, communities, and the state. "Unity is our greatest strength," he stated, noting that only through collaboration and collective effort can they achieve lasting progress.
Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, the First Lady of Enugu State, was represented by Mrs. Chinyere Ugwu, the wife of the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly. In her address, Mrs. Ugwu called on the women of Enugu to embrace peace and unity, especially within their families and among themselves. She encouraged them to be peacemakers and to avoid conflicts that could hinder their collective growth and empowerment.
Mrs. Ugwu also took the opportunity to urge the women to support the vision and mission of the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. She reiterated that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is focused on driving the state toward a future of peace, security, and prosperity, and that their support is crucial in achieving this. "We are one people, children of one God," she declared, emphasizing that unity across all tribes and groups is key to unlocking greater achievements for the state.
In her goodwill message, Evangelist Dr. Mrs. Favour Ugwuanyi (mni), the Coordinator of the Enugu Women Prayer Network Okpara Square, extended heartfelt gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah for his unwavering support of women in leadership. She particularly appreciated the Governor for emergence of Hon. Peace Patrick as the PDP Women Leader, along with other women in key political positions. Dr. Ugwuanyi praised the Governor’s commitment to increasing women's participation in governance and politics, noting that his efforts have significantly elevated the status of Enugu State above many others.
Dr Ugwuanyi remarked that Gov Peter Mbah's development strides have placed Enugu State ahead of all other states in Nigeria. Reflecting on her nationwide assignment at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), she stated; "in course of my nationwide, I have observed this firsthand, and I am proud to be from a state that prioritizes progress and empowerment."
Also present were women leaders from all 17 local government areas of Enugu State, representing a wide range of political affiliations and religious denominations. This gathering of such a diverse group of women highlighted the rally’s unifying power, as differences were set aside in favor of the collective goal of praying for the state's success.
The prayer gathering was marked by fervent intercession for the state’s future. Numerous ministers and spiritual leaders led prayers for peace, security, and development in Enugu. Special prayers were also offered for Governor Mbah, the youth, and the eradication of social vices in the state. The women prayed for unity among various tribes and communities, believing that their collective efforts in prayer would pave the way for a more prosperous and harmonious Enugu State.
The women left the event energized and hopeful, with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility to carry God's light within them and use it to illuminate the path towards a more secure, prosperous, and harmonious state. The rally has set a powerful precedent for future gatherings, showing that when women unite in prayer and purpose, they can achieve remarkable progress for their communities and beyond.
