LP Candidates Receive Support at Awka Diocese Mothers' Union Anniversary
By Chizoba Njaka
The Labour Party candidates for the Anambra Central Senatorial District, Ven. Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue, and the Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency, Dr. Mrs. Mary Ifeoma Obi-Okoye, received support from women of the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, during the 150th anniversary celebration of the Mothers' Union in Awka.
The candidates attended the 40th Awka Women’s Conference and the 3rd Diocesan Mothers’ Union Conference, where they were warmly received by participants, who identified them as members of the Anglican Communion and expressed support for their political aspirations.
The Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, described their presence as a significant addition to the anniversary celebration. He offered prayers for the candidates and asked God to grant them wisdom and favour as they seek the support of constituents ahead of the elections.
Most Rev. Ibezim recalled that Ven. Ikezue had paid him a courtesy visit after emerging as the Labour Party's senatorial candidate, noting that he had prayed for and blessed his aspiration. He described the cleric-turned-politician as one who hopes to demonstrate that when the righteous are in positions of authority, the people prosper.
The Archbishop also commended Dr. Obi-Okoye for her commitment to the growth of the Anglican Communion, describing her as a woman of influence in the Awka Diocese and a dedicated church leader.
The wife of the Archbishop and President of the Women’s Ministry, Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim, also prayed for the candidates, encouraging them to remain steadfast and committed. She expressed confidence that God would guide them in their political pursuits.
Mrs. Ibezim highlighted the achievements of the Women’s Ministry over the years, citing its contributions to family stability, evangelism, welfare programmes, entrepreneurship, leadership development, improved healthcare and women's empowerment. She added that the Young Wives Initiative was established to prepare younger women for future responsibilities in the family and the Church.
Speaking on the impact of the Mothers’ Union, a prominent worker in the ministry, Lady Felicia Nebolisa, said the organisation had continued to play a vital role in promoting Christian marriages, responsible parenting, moral values, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and economic empowerment. She noted that the ministry's 150-year history demonstrated the transformative impact of women united in faith and service.
In his remarks, Ven. Ikezue expressed appreciation to the Most Rev. Ibezim and his wife for their leadership, which he said had strengthened family life, women's ministry, evangelism, discipleship and community development within the Church.
He described the anniversary as a celebration of the enduring legacy of the founder of the Mothers’ Union, Mary Sumner, and said the conference provided an opportunity to address pressing challenges confronting families and society.
Ven. Ikezue pledged that, if elected, he would pursue policies aimed at tackling unemployment, poverty, economic hardship, moral decline, family instability, marital conflicts, the misuse of social media and inadequate access to quality healthcare.
Dr. Obi-Okoye, who serves as the Coordinator of the Ladies’ Knights of the Diocese on the Niger, described the conference as an important platform for discussing issues affecting women. She urged women to support one another politically and reject attitudes that undermine collective progress.
She also called for increased female participation in governance, lamenting that women's representation in Nigeria remains significantly below the 35 per cent affirmative action benchmark. According to her, the time has come for women to unite, support one another and take their rightful place in leadership and decision-making.