By Tony Okafor, Awka
Women from the Aguata Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, gathered at Saint Mary’s Church, Ogbunka, in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, to cry out to God over the numerous challenges facing the country.
The 19th Aguata Diocesan Women’s Conference, organized by the Women’s Ministry of the Diocese, provided a platform for the women to lament the harsh realities of life in Nigeria.
Led by Mrs. Success Iwuagwu in prayers, the women poured out their hearts in fervent prayers, seeking God’s intervention in the midst of hardship, insecurity, banditry, unemployment, and high electricity tariffs.
With tears streaming down their faces, the women expressed their deep concern for the future of their children and the nation at large.
They decried the rising cost of living, the lack of jobs for the youth, and the constant fear of violence and kidnapping that has become almost like a norm in the country.
The women’s emotional plea was a testament to the struggles they face daily, as they struggle to make ends meet and keep their families safe.
Their cries to God were a desperate call for help, as they feel abandoned by the government and those in authority.
One of the women, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed her frustration, saying, “We work so hard, yet we can barely afford to feed our families. The cost of food, electricity, and other basic necessities is skyrocketing, and we don’t know how much more we can take.”
Another woman, Mrs. Nkechi Okeke, lamented the lack of job opportunities for the youth, stating, “Our children graduate from university and remain unemployed for years. It’s heartbreaking to see their dreams and aspirations slipping away.”
The women’s conference was a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life in Nigeria, where the majority of the population struggle to survive amidst poverty, insecurity, and political instability.
In their prayers, the women appealed to God to intervene in the affairs of the nation, to touch the hearts of leaders and to bring peace and prosperity back to the land.
As they prayed, they also called on the government to take responsibility for the welfare of its citizens, to provide jobs, security, and basic amenities.
In the words of one of the women, “We will continue to cry out to God, for we know that He is our only hope in these trying times.”
Speaking, the Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt Rev Samuel Ezeofor, urged Christians to be genuine in their relationship with God, warning against playing “eye service” or being hypocritical in their faith.
Bishop Ezeofor emphasized the importance of sincerity in worship and service to God, charging parents and ministers to guide youths towards loving God and shun idolatry.
He described love as the crowning point of God’s creation, emphasizing that Christians must demonstrate genuine love in their faith.
Ezeofor is also the national chairman of the Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC Nigeria),
