By Awhawha Awhawha
The rising rate of divorce and its impact on families took center stage at the 4th Annual Convention of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) held at the Royal House of Grace International Church, Onopa, Yenagoa.
The event drew women from across Bayelsa State, focusing on the theme “The Woman of Good Understanding.”
Justice Matilda Ayemieye, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State and guest speaker, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of broken homes, even within the church community.
She urged Christian women to avoid rushing into relationships that lead to unstable marriages and highlighted the dangers of cohabitation without legal marriage, which she said often results in conflicts affecting women and children.
“Marriage should be a consensual relationship grounded in openness and Godly love,” Justice Ayemieye stressed. She also warned against polygamy, describing it as a source of jealousy and strife in many homes.
She also cautioned women to desist from cohabitation saying living together for many years without a marriage recognized by law can bring conflicts in the home which affects women and their children negatively.
“The rate of divorce is very alarming even in the church. As Christians our marriage should be a reference point for unbelievers, with our marriages we should be able to preach Christ”
“Polygamy brings wickedness, strife, jealousy and fit of rage in many homes. We see many beautiful houses but behind the beautiful walls are troubles and children are greatly affected physically and emotionally, the effects of divorce is enormous”
Other speakers echoed the call for strong family values. Brother Moses Abua of Peace House Revival Ministry encouraged women to cultivate humility and maintain a close relationship with God to gain wisdom and understanding.
Mrs. Grace Iyabi, Chairperson of WOWICAN Bayelsa State chapter, urged mothers to monitor their children closely amid rising concerns over indecent dressing and underage boys lodging in hotels.
“The increasing prevalence of indecent dressing and trend of underage boys lodging in hotels in Yenagoa is alarming. I urge mothers to rise to your responsibilities by monitoring our children’s whereabouts at all times
Mrs Iyabi expressed appreciation to God for the success of the convention as well as to all women and guests at the event.
Chief Executive Officer, ENWAF, Lady Eunice Nnachi who spoke to newsmen after the program, advised women to always give respect to their husbands as men who are respected would easily love their wives.
Lady Nnachi also warned women to stop cohabitation as these act makes women to lose their value and self respect.
Participants at the event appreciated the leadership of WOWICAN and promised to be better mothers.
The convention also featured health talks, Bible recitations, and singing competitions, aimed at empowering women to be better mothers and community leaders.
The event concluded with a unanimous call for women to uphold respect, commitment, and faith as pillars for enduring marriages and stable families in Bayelsa State.