By Tony Okafor, Awka
As Christian women across Nigeria, particularly in the South-East, prepare for their annual August Meetings, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Senatorial candidate, Hon. Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo, has urged them to embrace their role as agents of positive change in their homes, the Church, and society.
The August Meeting, an annual gathering of Christian women, provides a platform for participants to deliberate on issues affecting their families, communities, and the Church. Over the years, the meetings have grown into a significant social and religious institution, attracting women from far and near.
Nwankwo noted that women have consistently remained the backbone of the Church, especially at a time when the commitment of many men appears to be waning.
Speaking ahead of this year’s August Meetings, which have already been flagged off by the Awka Catholic Diocese, the philanthropist commended women for their invaluable contributions to the growth and sustenance of the Church.
“Without women, I don’t think the Church would have fared as well as it has. Their contributions cannot be ignored in any way,” he said.
He, however, cautioned against reducing the annual gatherings to mere social events, urging participants to use the opportunity to generate ideas and initiatives that would strengthen the Church and promote societal development.
“As our mothers and wives prepare to participate in this year’s August Meetings, I want to remind them of their role as agents of change,” Nwankwo said.
“Many of our children are no longer on the right path because of peer pressure and the influence of social media.
“It is our mothers and wives, who are often closer to the children, that should help redirect them.”
He also encouraged women to reflect on their responsibilities within the family, stressing that the stability of every home largely depends on the role played by the woman.
“I also urge our women to reflect on their roles in theh home and make amends where necessary. The stability of any home lies with the woman. A home without stability breeds wayward children, and that is not what we want,” he added.
Nwankwo further called on women to make this year’s August Meetings a platform for renewing their commitment to family values, community development, and moral leadership, rather than viewing the gatherings primarily as opportunities for social display.
