Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, has urged women of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Owerri, to draw their strength from Christ and use their God-given talents, influence and accomplishments to serve the Church, strengthen their families and impact society positively.
Ubani made the call while delivering a keynote address titled “The Source of Our Strength” at the Annual Women’s Conference of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Naze, Owerri, Imo State.
Speaking from Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” — Ubani cautioned Christians against interpreting the scripture as a promise of a life without hardship or as an indication of human self-sufficiency.
He explained that the passage is instead a testimony to the sufficiency of God’s grace and the divine strength available to believers in times of difficulty.
According to him, true Christian strength is not defined by the absence of weakness, challenges or vulnerability, but by the ability to remain rooted in Christ regardless of prevailing circumstances.
The legal practitioner observed that women often carry multiple responsibilities as mothers, wives, professionals, entrepreneurs, caregivers, church workers and community leaders.
He therefore encouraged them not to assume that they must generate all the strength needed to overcome life’s challenges on their own.
“Christ does not always remove the burden; He strengthens the bearer,” Ubani declared.
He noted that while God may sometimes change difficult situations, there are also moments when He provides believers with the grace, courage and resilience needed to endure their circumstances and overcome them.
The former Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association urged the women to channel their achievements and influence towards meaningful service rather than focusing solely on personal success.
He called on them to become agents of transformation in their homes, churches and communities by raising Godly children, building stronger families, mentoring younger people, supporting vulnerable members of society and contributing to the growth of the Church.
Ubani stressed that influence becomes more meaningful when it is used to empower others and create lasting positive change.
He also urged the women to remain connected to their spiritual source through prayer, Bible study, worship, fellowship and dedicated Christian service, warning that disconnecting from God could leave believers vulnerable to the pressures and uncertainties of life.
The conference also featured a special celebration in honour of the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor, and his wife, Mama Egbu, Mrs. Ngozi Chioma Okorafor, as the Diocese marked their preparatory retirement and celebrated their years of service.
Members of the Diocese and distinguished guests used the occasion to acknowledge the couple’s contributions to the growth and administration of the Church.
The conference was organised by Her Worship, Mrs. Maureen Onyewotu, a retired Chief Magistrate of the Imo State Judiciary and Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, in collaboration with Lady Ngozi Naze and other members of the organising committee.
The event also provided an emotional reunion for former classmates of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Onyewotu and Ubani were classmates between 1985 and 1989 and used the occasion to reconnect decades after their university years.
Their reunion was further strengthened by the presence of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Ngozi Olehi, and Chief Kelvin Mbawuike, who were also classmates of the duo.
The gathering attracted women from across the Diocese, serving and retired magistrates, Justices of the courts, lawyers and other distinguished personalities associated with the Anglican Church.
