Eyo Charles
At least 800 young women and 150 pupils and students from various secondary and tertiary institutions in parts of Nigeria have been listed to benefit from scholarships and financial support at the third annual Mother Elizabeth Obu Conference in Calabar.
The conference is scheduled to hold on October 2 and is part of Tripartite Events being 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 whose legacies of love, mercy, compassion and impactful leadership have reportedly shaped generations.
The conference coordinator, MCS Winifred Okafor, said 10 elderly women would also receive welfare support, while another 10 beneficiaries would receive assistance for small-scale businesses.
She added that farmers would receive seedlings, while 13 trainees would be provided with starter packs to support their trades.
Okafor said the initiatives were part of efforts to sustain what she described as 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 different professional backgrounds, including the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and Professor Peace Irefin, a professor of Sociology and Gender Studies.
Other speakers include MCS Elizabeth Ekong, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Organic, who will speak on career building, mentorship and converting talent into wealth.
A London-based child rights advocate, MCS Kay Ofo, will speak on the power of forgiveness, while Her Eminence (Dr) Imani Sailas, Clinical Director of Imani Clinic, Abuja, will address 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,” chaired by MCS Timi Digitieme.
The conference has as its theme, “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.
She said entries must be original and produced manually at the conference venue rather than bought from stores.
Categories include beadwork, textile and fashion, household and decorative crafts, including baskets, hats, bags and interior décor, as well as recycled and eco-friendly crafts.
Other categories are visual arts, painting and sculpture, pastry, food, cake decoration, fast food and simple pastries.
She disclosed that there will be mouthwatering and consolation prizes.
Okafor said the two organising groups are affiliated with the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, adding that its spiritual leader, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, sponsors the conference.
