By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno has admonished women in the state to emulate the virtues of Mary, Esther, Ruth, Priscilla and other women in the Bible who were devoted to God and exemplary in character.
Mrs. Eno, gave the admonition on Saturday at Qua Iboe Church, Eket Township Superintendency, during Women Rally 2023, a programme organised by the Women Fellowship of the church, tagged “A Devoted Woman.” drawn from Mark 15:40 – 41.
“I just want to point out to you few women in the Bible who were devoted in their different areas, ways and occupations. They were business women of old, women who were busy in the house of God, doing the work of God, serving the men of God in the church and ministering in the things of God like Rhoda, Abigail etc”, she stated.
The First Lady who was the keynote speaker at the event, noted that the stories of faithful and devoted women which the Bible is replete with, are capable of deepening one’s spiritual life and devotion to God.
“The theme of this Conference: “Devoted Woman”, to me is very commendable because throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of devoted individuals who exemplify unwavering faith and dedication to God. Within this context, there are several women whose stories stand out as testimonies of devotion.
“Whether it is Ruth’s commitment to family, Mary’s submission to God’s plan, Esther’s fearless advocacy, or Priscilla’s dedication to ministry, their stories remind us of the power of unwavering devotion in our spiritual journeys. By studying and emulating their faith, we too can cultivate a deeper sense of devotion to God and those around us,” the Governor’s wife noted.
Pastor Patience Eno further said that miracles always abounded any time women gathered in the Bible and expressed optimism that same would be the case at the end of the Women’s Rally.
In her words, “anywhere and time women were gathered in the Bible, it is recorded that miracles were always visible and this I believe would not be an exception because Jesus Christ is still the same yesterday, today and forever.”
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Eket Township Superintendency Pastor of Qua Iboe Church, the Rev. Ime Matthew Obong, appreciated God for making the event a reality and members of the women fellowship for turning up for the rally, noting that the presence of God is where joy and blessings are derived.
Rev. Obong who noted God as the head of the Church, said QIC Eket Township Superintendency is a ground of satisfaction, assuring the congregants of God’s satisfaction as they continue in fellow to Him.
The President, Qua Iboe Church, Eket Township Superintendency Women Fellowship, Deaconess Ekaette Eshiet in her welcome address appreciated God for sustaining the fellowship all through the years till the fourth edition while also applauding the Governor’s wife, Pastor Patience Umo for gracing the occasion.
Deaconess Eshiet said the essence of the rally was to gather women from the various congregations of the Superintendency to fellowship, encourage and remind them of the need to remain devoted to God not minding the situation or positions they find themselves.
In his goodwill message, the Eket Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Akan Tommy, eulogized Pastor Patience Umo Eno for attending the rally to share her thoughts with the women and encouraging them to remain commitment to the many services required in the Lord’s vineyard.
The President of the Qua Iboe Church women Fellowship, Eket Township Superintendency presented a gift to the Governor’s wife while the women fellowship Choir rendered a welcome song.
The Wife of the Governor was accompanied to the event by the member representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Kenim Onofiok, Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Uwah, Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebiet, Wife of the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Bright Archibong , Wife of the Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government, Akwa Obonanwan Mandu Abia, and other Female Stakeholders in the state.
