Cleric urges women to take charge of national affairs

Women have been advised to take up challenging positions in order to make their impact felt more in the larger society.

The call was made by Pastor (Dr) Ronke Ojo, wife of the Oyo State Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr ‘Gbade Ojo, at the 13th annual Women Conference of Sanctuary of Christ Evangelical Church.

She said women played pivotal roles in the political and socio-economic development of any nation, “hence the need for them to rise to the challenge of taking over positions to make their impact felt.”

She also urged women to embrace agriculture, as a way of diversifying the economy, adding that diversification would create employment opportunities for the citizenry and increase the revenue base of the government.

However, she implored government to increase access to loans for youths to engage in mechanised farming.

Speaking on the theme, Arise and Shine for thy Light Has Come, Pastor Ojo called on women to always perform their responsibilities, especially as mothers at their respective homes.

In her sermon, the guest preacher, Pastor (Mrs) Funmilola Adeniyi, observed that the role of women had “grown beyond the traditional role of motherhood.”

She noted that women played significant roles in the family, and in taking care of it, and raising children, pointing out that husbands and fathers had been given the primary responsibility for the leadership of the children.

In his address, the founder and general overseer of the church, Dr ‘Gbade Ojo advised women to always be submissive and respect their husbands and similarly take care of their children. He especially enjoined them to be prayer warriors and leaders in their respective homes.

Pastor Ojo observed that the role women played in the socio-economic development of a country could not be underestimated and supported the inclusion of more women in key positions in the country, in order to demystify the overbearing nature of men in national development.

Dignitaries at the event included wife of the deputy governor of Oyo State, Mrs Janet Adeyemo and other top government functionaries, as well as notable men of God.