Help vulnerable Nigerians, ex-Akwa Ibom First Lady urges Christian women

‎L-R:  Reverend Dr Jane Onaolapo, General Overseer of Abundant Life Gospel Church; Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Founder and General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church International; Dr Martha Udom-Emmanuel, former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State; and Pastor Rose Yusuf of Household of Love Churches, at the 12th edition of the Female Ministers Conference held in Lagos on Saturday. VLBCI

Former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Martha Udom-Emmanuel, has urged Christian women, particularly female ministers, to demonstrate exemplary character by reaching out to vulnerable people and young Nigerians in need of guidance, love and hope.

She made the call at the 12th edition of the Female Ministers Conference, organised by Victory Life Bible Church International at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, on Saturday.

According to a statement released by the church’s media office shared with PUNCH Online, the conference was the vision of the late Reverend Fola Achudume, wife of the church’s Founder and General Overseer, Apostle Lawrence Achudume. Her commitment to raising women and advancing Christian ministry continues to inspire the gathering.

Speaking on the responsibilities of Christian women in contemporary society, Udom-Emmanuel said the influence of female ministers should extend to their workplaces, corporate organisations, businesses and communities, insisting that their calling was not restricted to activities within church premises.

She maintained that Christians must be conscious of their identity as representatives of God wherever they find themselves, particularly in environments populated by people with different backgrounds and religious beliefs.

The former First Lady stressed that credibility in Christian ministry must be established through character and conduct, urging women not to become judgmental towards people because of their circumstances or lifestyles.

She urged ministers to approach people involved in prostitution and criminal activities with love, empathy and compassion rather than condemnation, noting that various circumstances and pressures could influence people’s choices.

Udom-Emmanuel also emphasised the importance of professional excellence, warning that Christian women must not be lazy or complacent.

“One thing that will help you in your marketplace is excellence in what you do. As Christians, you must not be lazy or laid-back. You must be excellent in whatever you do,” she said.

She further urged female ministers to identify with vulnerable groups, offer succour to people in distress and pay particular attention to young Nigerians exposed to destructive influences.

Another speaker, Pastor Toyin Poju-Oyemade of The Covenant Nation, spoke on the topic, “The Queen and the Palace,” examining the identity, responsibilities and often-overlooked pressures confronting women in ministry, particularly pastors’ wives.

She urged women not to allow their circumstances to define their identity or diminish their sense of worth.

“Don’t allow your circumstances to define who you are. Walk with your head high. Your King is the Almighty God,” she said.

Drawing lessons from Ruth, Esther, Daniel and Joseph, she noted that they encountered challenges but remained faithful to their assignments and distinguished themselves in their respective places of influence.

The pastor’s wife also drew attention to the emotional demands of ministry, observing that many pastors’ wives were constantly available to meet the needs of others but did not always receive the same support in their homes.

“Many pastors’ wives are married singles. They are available for everybody outside, but sometimes their spouses are not available to show up for them,” she said.

She cautioned women against competing for positions or seeking to occupy places God had not assigned to them, stressing that their individual assignments should not be determined by outward appearances or worldly standards.

Pastor Rose Yusuf, wife of Reverend Yinka Yusuf, also contributed to discussions on women, ministry and the responsibilities of pastors’ wives.

Speaking with journalists after the session, Apostle Lawrence Achudume paid tribute to his late wife, Reverend Fola Achudume, describing her as a woman deeply passionate about the well-being of women and children.

He recalled the late cleric’s commitment to advancing the interests of women and children, noting that she had done much through her ministry and humanitarian engagements to leave an enduring mark.

Apostle Achudume expressed confidence that the legacy of Reverend Fola Achudume would continue through the lives she touched and the programmes she established, including the Female Ministers Conference.

The conference also featured a panel session, during which participants engaged with issues relating to women, ministry and Christian responsibilities. Interactive games based on biblical principles were among the other activities at the gathering.