By Our Reporter
At least 800 young women and 150 pupils and students from secondary and tertiary institutions across parts of Nigeria have been listed to receive scholarships and financial support at the third annual Mother Elizabeth Obu Conference, scheduled to hold in Calabar on October 2.
The conference forms part of tripartite events organised by two women’s groups – Mansion of Blessedness, headed by MCS (Hon.) Glory Oho, and Universal Women’s Fellowship, led by MCS Dr Mmama Obele – in honour of the Universal Mother, Holy Mother Elizabeth Esu Olumba Obu. Organisers say her legacies of love, mercy, compassion and impactful leadership have shaped generations.
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Conference coordinator MCS Winifred Okafor disclosed that the support package extends beyond the scholarships. Ten elderly women will receive welfare assistance, while another 10 beneficiaries will get help for small-scale businesses. Farmers are to receive seedlings, and 13 trainees will be provided with starter packs to support their trades.
Okafor described the initiatives as efforts to sustain the legacy of Holy Mother Elizabeth Obu in enterprise development, philanthropy and support for women and families. She said the annual conference was designed to provide a platform for discussions on women’s development, family values and economic empowerment.
“The women will transform families, families will transform society, and a transformed society will drive a productive economy,” she said.
The programme will feature lectures and discussions by women from diverse professional backgrounds. Expected speakers include the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and Professor Peace Irefin, a professor of Sociology and Gender Studies.
Others are MCS Elizabeth Ekong, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Organic, who will speak on career building, mentorship and converting talent into wealth; London-based child rights advocate MCS Kay Ofo, who will address the power of forgiveness; and Her Eminence (Dr) Imani Sailas, Clinical Director of Imani Clinic, Abuja, who will speak on personal hygiene and self-branding.
Professor Emem Ayankop-Chikwe of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, will lead a panel discussion on “Virtues of Divine Motherhood in a Modern World,” to be chaired by MCS Timi Digitieme.
The conference theme is “Building Women of Capacity, Projecting Virtues of Divine Motherhood,” with the slogan “Give Opportunity! Gain Capacity! Display Virtues!”
Okafor also announced a 40-minute craft competition for selected participants, with prizes for outstanding entries. Entries must be original and produced manually at the conference venue rather than purchased from stores.
Categories include beadwork, textile and fashion, household and decorative crafts such as baskets, hats, bags and interior décor, as well as recycled and eco-friendly crafts. Other categories cover visual arts, painting and sculpture, pastry, food, cake decoration, fast food and simple pastries. She disclosed that there will be mouthwatering and consolation prizes.
The two organising groups are affiliated with the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star. Okafor added that its spiritual leader, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, sponsors the conference.
