Enugu Women Hold October Edition of Monthly Prayer Meeting; "Sowing and Reaping"

The Enugu Women Prayer Network gathered on October 9, 2024 for the October edition of their monthly prayer meeting at the ever-iconic Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu. Themed “Sowing and Reaping,” the event saw a remarkable attendance of women from all 17 local government areas of Enugu State. Women leaders, political figures, religious organizations, and professional bodies joined hands in prayer for the progress and prosperity of Enugu State. The highlight of the event was the dedication of the 17 local government chairpersons and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Women Leader to God, followed by a session of thanksgiving.

The session opened with a powerful sermon led by Pastor Chinyere Onuoma, who drew from the theme "Sowing and Reaping." Pastor Onuoma urged the women to remain steadfast in their faith and works, emphasizing that the seeds they sow in their families, communities, and personal lives will yield a bountiful harvest in due time. "Do not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season, you will reap if you do not give up," she passionately stated, referencing Galatians 6:9. She encouraged the women to sow seeds of love, unity, and faithfulness, both in their homes and in the state, as these would ultimately lead to the reaping of peace, progress, and security.

The dedication of the local government chairpersons and the PDP Women Leader was a moment of solemnity and spiritual significance.  The local government chairpersons, one by one, were prayed for, with pastors and ministers invoking God’s guidance, wisdom, and protection over them as they carry out their responsibilities. This was followed by a vibrant thanksgiving session where each local government took turns to praise God, with women from the various local governments dancing and singing in gratitude.

Evangelist Mrs. Favour Ugwuanyi, the Coordinator of the Enugu State Prayer Network, led a series of intercessory prayers, focusing on key areas that affect the lives of women in Enugu. She prayed fervently for barren women in the state, asking for divine intervention in their situations and declaring that their season of reaping would soon come. She also led prayers for Governor Peter Mbah’s projects and his administration’s success, especially as the 2027 elections approach. "We stand in the gap for our state and our Governor, asking God for wisdom, strength, and protection for him and his team," she prayed. She also called for prayers against evil counsellors and unfriendly friends within the Governor's administration, stressing the importance of purity of intent and unity in government.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, the wife of the Enugu State Governor, by Hon. Mrs. Chinyere Fina Ugwu, wife of the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, the women were encouraged to continue fostering unity and peace in their homes and communities. "Enugu State is our own; we must all work in unity as one family to achieve maximum results," she stated. She also emphasized the need for mutual respect in marriages, urging women to honor their husbands and remain humble in their roles as wives and mothers. "Let there be love among the women, and let us set examples for our children and families," she concluded.

Pastor Tochukwu Ogbodo shared the inspiring history of how the Enugu Women Prayer Network began. He recounted how the prayer initiative, which started in 2002 with just a few ministers, has grown into a mammoth gathering of women from all walks of life. "What began as a small seed has now grown into a great tree, with branches spreading across the state and even beyond," Pastor Ogbodo remarked. He expressed gratitude to God for the increase and encouraged the women to remain steadfast in prayer and unity.

The ALGON Chairperson, Mrs. Rita Edeh, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the women for their prayers and support...

...She recounted how these prayers sustained them through their electoral campaigns, leading to their successful return to office. She extended her gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah and his wife for their unwavering endorsement. "Your prayers and support have been instrumental in our journey, and we thank you all," she said with deep emotion.

In her address, Enugu State PDP Women Leader, Hon. Mrs. Peace Patrick, urged the 17 local government chairpersons to work closely with their women leaders in their respective areas. She stressed the importance of teamwork, not only in supporting their husbands in local government leadership but also in backing the state's Governor, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as he drives Enugu towards greater development. "Together, we can achieve more. Let us all support our husbands and our Governor to ensure that Enugu State remains on the path of progress," she urged.

The prayer sessions were led by various ministers, including Pastor Luis Ugochukwu, Pastor Kalu Ukpai, Rev. Njoku, and Barrister Blessing Ogbonna. They prayed for maximum peace in families, security in the state, and for the engagement and empowerment of the youth. The spiritual leaders called for divine intervention in the social and economic challenges facing the state, as well as the elimination of social vices.

Prominent women who graced the event included the wife of the State PDP Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Chukwunwike, Member representing Enugu South Urban Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon Princess Obiajulu Ugwu, and members of the Umu Ada Peter Mbah group. Several NGOs, including the Women Support Women Community Network (WOSCONET), led by Ambassador Mrs. Amaka Nweke, were also in attendance, further underlining the unity and collective strength of women in the state.

The October edition of the Enugu Women Prayer Network concluded with the women leaving energized and uplifted, their faith renewed and their commitment to the state’s progress strengthened. The gathering was a testament to the power of unity and prayer, as women from diverse backgrounds came together to sow seeds of faith, hope, and love, trusting in God’s promises for a fruitful harvest in the days ahead.