The wife of the Bishop on the Niger, Dr. Elsie Nonyelum Nwokolo, has called for greater attention to be given to the skill acquisition and empowerment of male children. She made this appeal during the 2025 Ogidi Archdeaconry Women’s Conference held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Ogidi, Anambra State.
Dr. Nwokolo, fondly known as “Mama Niger,” expressed concern that many parents tend to focus more on discipline and training for girls, often neglecting the developmental needs of boys. “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,” she said.
She emphasized that equipping boys with technical, life, and entrepreneurial skills is crucial for their growth, productivity, and contribution to economic development.
Decrying the growing “get-rich-quick” mentality among Nigerian youth, particularly males, Dr. Nwokolo highlighted the need for balanced parenting. “There must be a focus on skill acquisition for both boys and girls to ensure their holistic development and future success,” she stressed.
In her keynote address, the convener of the conference and wife of the Archdeacon, Dr. NenyeFrank Obi, urged women to assert their moral rights and resist all forms of abuse. “It is time for women to stand firm and say ‘No’ to gender intimidation and sexual harassment, which could manifest verbally, through physical contact, or even body language and signs,” she said.
She also lamented Nigeria’s worsening economic situation: “I don’t want to talk about unimplemented policies, bad governance, and corruption in high and low places. Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is currently facing unprecedented economic hardship.”
“The country is battling a perfect storm of high food prices, increased electricity tariffs, and rising fuel costs, which have combined to push millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty. A call for fervent prayers and right economic policies that will bring Nigeria out of poverty is urgently needed,” Dr. Obi said.
Speaking at the conference, Venerable Frank Obi, the Archdeacon of Ogidi Archdeaconry and Vicar of St. Philip’s Anglican Church, expressed concern over the moral decline among youths, and called for a return to strong moral teachings in churches, noting, “Church teaches morals. It’s quite a pity that today, some people are emphasizing prosperity, prosperity, prosperity… But the problem in our society starts from morality. If we get morality right, these things should not be happening.”
“We heard of some 22 young men, mostly Nigerians from the Igbo tribe, who were recently hanged in Indonesia. Let our people find something genuine to do. The fast lane, ‘Yahoo Yahoo’, will not do us any good—it will only lead to destruction. I encourage church leaders to reduce the emphasis on prosperity and focus on teaching morals, so our children and society can be better,” he added.
Reverend Chukwudi Ezeobieri, host vicar of St. Peter’s Anglican Church and chaplain of the Ogidi Archdeaconry Women’s Ministry, encouraged women to build godly homes by raising children in the knowledge of God.
Reflecting on the conference’s theme, he said: “Christian stewardship means living differently from the world. As Christians—men or women—we must follow the line of Christ to render faithful service to the Lord.”
Lady Oby Obiakor, President of the Women’s Fellowship (Home and Abroad), expressed concern over the proliferation of worship centres under the guise of religion. She urged women to be discerning in religious matters and to make informed decisions.
The three-day conference, themed “Christian Stewardship,” brought together Christian mothers from 24 churches under the Ogidi Archdeaconry. The event was marked by vibrant spiritual activities, with participants dressed in white blouses and traditional Anglican attire. The conference featured seminars and workshops addressing spiritual growth, health, relationships, and fervent prayers for the nation and the Church.
A highlight of the conference was a seminar titled “Paradox of Relationships,” along with skill acquisition training, health talks, and prayers. Awards were presented to outstanding women who have made significant contributions to the church, including Ezinne Virginia Ebele, Ezinne Esther Okeru, Ezinne Gladys Amobi, and Mrs. Ibeto Chikodili Ebele, who were honoured as “Jerusalem Mothers.”
