Daystar Christian Centre women’s conference ended in Lagos last weekend with a challenge to women to become change agents in every facet of life, writes Women’s Editor, TEMITOPE OJO.
“Women need to be part of the political, social and economic transformations taking place across the world. Unless these processes involve women, they will merely become ‘recipients’ of change rather than ‘agents’ of change.”
The above was the assertion of Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu, Senior Programme Manager, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), during the celebration of the 2013 International Women’s Day.
Last weekend’s Women of Destiny Conference of Daystar Christian Centre, Oregun, Lagos, seemed to borrow from the theme of that 2013 event, ‘Women as Agents of Change’.
The annual Daystar women’s conference held on April 25 and 26 brought people with similar interests together to share experiences, with the aim of helping them expand networks and circle of influence. The conference also provided the opportunity for spiritual warm, business opportunities and increase network for participants.
The conference’s theme was ‘God’s change agents’.
Speaking during the conference, Nike Adeyemi, Deputy Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre and convener of the conference, stated that the theme was divinely inspired to make every woman a change agent of the family, community and the nation.
“We want to see women acting on behalf of God who is the author of change; women, who will step out there to effect good changes, make positive differences in the family, community and the nation. After this conference, we believe women will live their lives with God’s purposes; not just living ordinary (lives), but living God’s way,” Adeyemi explained.
According to Adeyemi, “an agent is someone that represents another; someone that represents a business or organiSation; someone that acts on behalf of somebody else or other organisation.”
Acknowledging that though God is the original, she however urged women to act on behalf of God as change agents because that is what He expects from them.
His words: “God expects women who will step out there, speak the right words and make a difference in the lives of their husbands, children, families, communities, where(ver) they are planted or find themselves.
“The impact is that people will live lives that are not necessarily ordinary. I believe people shouldn’t try to live ordinary lives of quietness, of just them and their families, to offering their lives to be used by God whichever way He wants to use them. Women can easily be used as change agents because I see us disguising ourselves in a good way.
“As a housewife, you see yourself taking care of your children; but you don’t know whether it is the nation’s next leader you are preparing. Women can use their offices; they can use their relationships and platforms to make impact in very subtle ways.”
On the role of women in nation-building, Adeyemi encouraged women to speak out against the ills of the nation, starting from the families. Women also can approach God through prayer, as well as get the attention of those in power to do the right things.
She said: “Women can lead change in the community beginning from their homes. We must constantly pray for our leaders in position of authority no matter what the issues are.”
On the missing Chibok girls, Mrs. Adeyemi urged their parents not to lose hope, while admonishing the incoming government to deplore the right military strategies in finding those girls.
“We believe in the change slogan of the incoming administration and we hope such will reflect in the lives of many Nigerians as soon as possible. We should keep praying and speaking out that the girls must be found.
“Government has the ability of doing it; if they deploy the military rightly, they will find the girls. We are very hopeful, and that is what I want women to do because these girls are tomorrow’s women.
“Can you imagine if I was kidnapped and never found? Will I be able to convey a meeting as this, though I’m not the only one doing this, what I want to say is that what God has told me to do is what I’m doing. If I were to have been kidnapped and not found, I won’t be able to do this. So I don’t see them as children, but what they could be tomorrow,” she said.
The mother of three also has a word for women taking up elective political positions. “Although this year’s general elections have come and gone, I want to still encourage women to do whatever their hearts are stirred to do. It could be politics or not, but go for it after consulting God.
“Let us not put ceiling on women. If any woman feels inclined politically, the rest of us should give her support and ensure she wins. The changes she will cause in political office will be enjoyed by all, including men.”
She urged women to deploy their gifts to lead change in the community in various ways.
“Women are very creative; we have various women in the Bible that brought deliverance to their communities and impacted their generations. We have women like Deborah and Esther; the latter who was the wife of the king brought deliverance because she took courage and went before the king and turned around a decree that was for the killing of the Jews at that time. Women are sometimes not afraid of their lives,” she submitted.
Also speaking at the event, Pastor (Mrs.) Nkoyo Rapu, wife of Senior Pastor of This Present House, urged the women to stand out as agents of change in their respective homes, offices and careers. She prayed for the release of the Chibok girls as well.
Mrs. Fola Achudume, another speaker, talked about the characteristics of agent of change. According to her, God is the first agent and His daughters must follow his steps.
Participants were full of praises for the organisers. Mrs. Adigun Adeyosola, one of the attendees shared her experience: “I have been attending this conference since it started some six years ago. I must confess this year’s edition is awesome, powerful and glorious. I have been blessed beyond measure. I am inspired to write, create a new product or service, expand a long time idea, and develop a thought that will promote my business and home. My expectations are met and I going home filled.”