From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
The Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) has commenced a campaign against social vices in secondary schools across Bayelsa State.
The event was attended by various Christian women from across Niger Delta region, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Nongovernmental organizations like Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network, (WOMAN), Kiosate boy child foundation, (KBCF), Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation, (ENWAF)among others.
Speaking on the Theme: “Far above Rubies” at the 3rd state convention of WOWICAN, State chairperson Mrs. Grace Iyabi said the campaign targets issues such as indecent dressing, exam malpractice, and drug abuse.
She said: “It has been a big concern to WOWICAN the manner in which is being seen as old fashioned and you see our young girls and boys roaming about the streets naked in the name of fashion.
“In line with our objective to maintain the highest standards of Christian ethics, virtues, eloquence and discipline, we have started going round to secondary schools with campaign against social such as indecent dressing, exam malpractices drug abuse etc. we recently had street campaign on indecent dressing.
“The mandate to maintain and defend the integrity and rights of all Christian women and children, to sensitize them against killer diseases relating to health matters continue unwavering and we are committed in engaging and support Christian evangelical programmes and projects aimed at making Christ known to all parts of Bayelsa and around the world.
“We are also collaborating with primary health and NGOs to campaign on exclusive breastfeeding and good nutrition and sensitize against killer diseases, as well as campaign against gender based violence .
“While we keep praying and hoping for the best, the opposite seems to be the case, the general situation of our country keeps getting worse by each passing day, the level of insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping and abduction, constant assaults on our minds from social media, fake preachers, open display of immoral acts, hunger in the land, high rate of unemployment , large scale of corruption, Internet fraud keep rising, we should not faint in our fervent prayers for God’s intervention in our land.” She said
The campaign is in line with WOWICAN’s objective to “maintain the highest standards of Christian ethics, virtues, eloquence and discipline,” Iyabi added.
CAN Bayelsa chairman Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema welcomed the initiative, noting the high level of moral decadence in the society where “Christian values are thrown into the wind.”
Pastor Solomon Smart delivered a teaching on the qualities of a virtuous woman, emphasizing that women should be independent, hardworking, prayerful, and trustworthy. He noted that a virtuous woman is the pride of her husband and children.
The Chairperson of WOWICAN, Rivers State chapter, Pastor Ene Belema Secondus, pointed out that rubies are precious and valuable stones, and the Bible says women are far above rubies. She appealed to women to be prudent in the use of physical and financial resources given to them.
The convention aimed to inspire and empower Christian women in Bayelsa State to live up to their full potential and serve as positive influences in their families and communities.
