Economic Challenges: Rivers Women Tasked on Self Devt
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Women in Rivers State, Nigeria, are urged to focus on self-development to improve their societal standing.
- They are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith amidst political and economic challenges.
- The organization RIWUS gathers monthly to pray for the state's peace and prosperity, emphasizing women's role in averting bloodshed.
A stakeholder in Rivers State, Dr. Lolo Gelsham, has called on women in the region to prioritize self-development, emphasizing its importance for achieving a well-positioned role in society. This advice comes as women in the state are encouraged to maintain their faith despite the prevailing political and economic difficulties facing Nigeria.
In that market where you are selling, package yourself. If you donโt have WAEC, you can register and write. If you had an OND, you can further your education, and if you have a first degree, you can go for a Masterโs. Just keep growing.
Gelsham, speaking at a program organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RIWUS) in Port Harcourt, stressed that women should continually enhance their skills in their respective fields, whether in business, education, or politics. She used the analogy of packaging oneself in the market and pursuing further education, from obtaining basic certifications to postgraduate degrees, to illustrate the need for continuous growth. "When they ask you, what are you bringing to the table, tell them I am the table. But you cannot be the table without developing yourself," she stated.
When they ask you, what are you bringing to the table, tell them I am the table. But you cannot be the table without developing yourself.
The RIWUS program is a monthly prayer session where women gather to pray for peace and the progress of Rivers State and Nigeria. Pastor Boma Ibanichuka highlighted the organization's focus on praying for the state's survival and prosperity, noting that "without peace, the state cannot prosper." The women believe their collective prayers have helped avert bloodshed and crises, even amid widespread insecurity across Nigeria.
I would like to say that we have gathered to pray for the survival of River State. We own River State. We are mothers, we are wives, we are sisters; our gathering here is to the glory of God. We are praying for our leaders; we are praying for those of them in power. We are not here to talk about the political parties, withdrawal or no withdrawal.
Glory Sunday, RIWUS Media Officer, commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his leadership and people-oriented programs. The organization, which identifies as interfaith-based, reaffirms its commitment to continuous prayer and intercession for the peace, stability, and advancement of Rivers State and Nigeria, aligning with the governor's policies. They urged women to remain hopeful and steadfast, believing that divine intervention can improve difficult situations.
RIWUS is beyond politics. And that is why, no matter what happens in other states, Rivers State is peaceful.
Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.