Awka diocesan women conference (ADWOC) reconciles Senator Ekwunife and Obiano’s wife , Osodieme --------as Bishop Ibezim charges women on strong society

 www.odogwublog.com that the rumoured political face off between the first family , Governor Willie Obiano and wife Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme) and Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom) who represented Anambra Central until recently appears to have been resoled for better political relationship by women of Anglican diocese of Awka led by Mothers’ Union President, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim (Nneoma, Mama Awka).
Mrs Ibezim who is also the President, Women’s Guild and Girls’ Guild , diocese of Awka made the feat possible during the 31st Awka Diocesan Women’s conference (ADWOC)  at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Nri, Anaocha local government area last Saturday when Bishop of Awka Anglican diocese , Right Reverend Alexander Ibezim PhD, JP demanded that both embrace to the glory of God.
After the embrace the Governor’s wife joined Senator Ekwunife in a special thanksgiving and they related well to the admiration of the Bishop, wife and the congregation.

 Obiano’s wife , Osodieme got Ekwunife when she joined her to thank God unsolicited and later indirectly apologized to anybody who feels the first family has wronged them and rather than speak ill of the first family especially the husband should pray for them particularly the husband , Chief Obiano, Akpokuedike to enable him do the right things always for he state.
The President, Mothers’ Union, Women’s Guild and Girls’ Guild , diocese of Awka, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim (Nneoma, Mama Awka) said the theme of the 4 day 31st ADWOC  conference,‘’They that do know their God shall be strong and do exploit’’ was apt.
Mrs Ibezim further explained that ADWOC which is once a year gives women opportunity to gather and take a stand on some issues bothering the diocese , proffering solutions and raising funds to further evangelism.

 She said women use the opportunity to pray for the Church, the state , the nation and their various families rededicating the to God.
Bishop Ibezim rededicated the Vicarage built by Sir and Lady Kwentoh Monica in blessed memory of Late Catechist Gabriel Nwagbo, first catechist of Nri. The diocese honoured Mrs Keziah Moneme as a Profile mother of the diocese.
Vicar St Mary’s Church , Nri Rev Sir Reuben , JP and Lady Ngozi Okafor with their curate  Rev I.C and Nneora Nwanneka Uluonu as well as the planning committee Chairman Sir Obi  Nwude were elated over the success of the ADWOC and they were on behalf of Nri community most grateful to Bishop Ibezim.

Earlier in his Homily, Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, ‎His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Alexander Ibezim called on the congregation and conference delegates to live life true Christians both in character and actions so as to make heaven. The Bishop who buttressed his preaching with Biblical passage of Daniel Chapter 11vs.2b: asked the congregation, do you know God? To know God he said involves a personal encounter with Christ.

 According to him, the Church of God is no longer preaching the message of conversion because the Bible has been turned upside down with a lot of deceit.  He observed that people flock to churches to register in other to be seen, but their reflects something different, stressing that those who know God, live a life of service like Christ and are given powers to become children of God. Bishop Ibezim called for love of neighbours especially in these times of hardship and hunger. 
The equally commended Governor Obiano and his wife Ebelechukwu for the good work they are doing for Ndi Anambra and prayed to God’s for their protection and guidance. He prayed for the Ekwunife’s and gave kudos to Senator Ekwunife for standing by her community and her quality representations to her people.
The well attended conference attracted many prominent sons and daughters of Anambra State including Wife of APGA national Chairman, Iyom Mary Oye amongst other dignitaries.
In her remarks , the governor of Anambra State Chief Willie Obiano has described women as pillars of the church.

 Governor Obiano who was represented by his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu (Osodieme) observed the laudable projects embarked-on by the Anglican women like the Examination hall for the Anglican convent, hostel and classroom blocks at Mary-Sumna Vocational etc. are clear demonstration of the value-adding attributes they make for the growth and progress of the church.
Said Osodieme: “Women are indeed pillars of the church. Apologies to our men, who are the foundation. The commitment of our women is very obvious and we can see that in the effort of the Anglican women who meet regularly like in this conference to discuss and pool resources from among themselves, donors and well-wishers to execute church projects. That is what makes them pillars in the propagation of the Christian faith. I must say that the effort of the women gladdens my heart.”
The governor’s wife assured the congregation and conference delegates of the safety of all are assured within Anambra because there is adequate security.
In her words, “Anambra is our state and we all know that our governor has been steadfast ‎at work to ensure it remains the safest state. Anything that will help us build and prosper it should be supported by all. We thank God for him and for the fact that he is doing well for the people, that is why they call him, “Alert Governor” for prompt payment of salaries. Please I urge you all to continue to pray for him to sustain the tempo of work.”
Osodieme called on the Mothers Union of the Anglican Communion to sustain their dedication to the progress of the church as well as their responsibilities as parents to encourage prayers from all and sundry for the governor and his team to continue to deliver democracy dividends to Ndi Anambra. She also congratulated the President of Mothers Union and Wife of the Bishop, Mrs. Martha Ibezim and the Anglican women as well as acknowledged the support Senator Uche Ekwunife gave the organizers to host the successful conference.

Speaking further

Photo:  Senator, Iyom, Uche Ekwunife, Wife of Governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu (Osodieme), Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, ‎His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Alexander Ibezim and wife Martha President of Anglican Mothers Union cutting the 31st Awka Diocesan Women’s Conference (ADWOC)Cake at St Mary’s Anglican Church Nri.


From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka