The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has commended members of the Eagle Women Pentecostal Network, led by Pastor Favour Charles, for promoting women’s empowerment through skills acquisition and mutual support.
Mrs. Otti gave the commendation during a praise and thanksgiving service organised by the association at the NTA Complex, Ogbohil, Aba.
Represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, the governor’s wife said the association’s practical approach to empowering women had made a tangible impact on beneficiaries.
She said, “We have every reason to give thanks to God, who has sustained and strengthened us.”
Mrs. Otti commended the leadership of the network for training women in practical skills that could promote financial independence and strengthen families.
“Between March and May, you trained and empowered your first batch of women in practical skills for financial independence.
In July, you commenced the second batch, which you successfully concluded just yesterday.
“These are not mere training programmes; they are investments in dignity, self-reliance and the economic strength of families,” she said.
She congratulated the leadership and beneficiaries of the programme, urging those who acquired the skills to put them into practice, nurture their businesses and grow with integrity.
According to her, practical empowerment remains one of the major pillars of my office and my foundation, Safe Tent Care Initiative.
Mrs. Otti further disclosed that, in partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), her office would soon commence the empowerment of 200 women across Abia State in various practical skills.
She said women who acquired sustainable means of livelihood would be better positioned to contribute to their families and society.
“I have always believed that when a woman earns, she can provide, make decisions and contribute meaningfully to her family and society,” she said.
She encouraged the women not to despise small beginnings, but to start with what they had, remain consistent and responsible, and support one another.
Earlier, the leader of the association, Pastor Favour Charles, said the network was established with the vision of helping women acquire practical skills in areas including fascinator making, autogele production, liquid soap making, perfume production and catering.
Pastor Charles said about 15 women had graduated from the latest training programme, adding that the leadership also provided food items and starter packs to enable beneficiaries to put their skills into practice.
She explained that the initiative was designed to help women support their families while contributing to the economic development of the state.
“Our focus has always been on practical support. I am a mother, and I understand that sometimes what people need is not just words, but tangible assistance that can make a real difference in their daily lives,” she said.
The association’s leader appealed to the wife of the governor to further support the beneficiaries with empowerment opportunities and resources to enable them to establish sustainable businesses.
She added that the network remained committed to supporting women, stressing that collective support could make a meaningful difference in the lives of many people.
In her sermon, Rev. Uche Adu said there was no prescribed pattern for praising God, noting that worshippers could assume different postures while focusing their hearts on God.
Sh urged Christians to make praise and thanksgiving part of their daily lives, particularly when confronted with challenges.
According to her, believers should continue to offer words of praise, thanksgiving and gratitude regardless of their circumstances.
She said praise was not merely a personal expression of faith but could also strengthen the bond between believers and Christ.
Adu encouraged the worshippers to understand that praise was powerful and should not be reserved only for moments when things were going well.
“True praise is being able to lift our voices to God even when we are facing challenges,” she said.
