Christian women call for hope, safer schools in Oyo

The President of the Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild of the Missionary Diocese of Oyo South, Dr. Modupe Familoni, has urged Christian women to remain hopeful and committed to nation-building despite Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

Familoni made the call on Saturday while delivering her presidential address at the opening of the First Annual Women’s Conference of the Missionary Diocese of Oyo South, held at the Cathedral Church of St. John, Akinmoorin, Oyo State.

Speaking on the theme, “Keep Hope Alive” (Romans 15:13), she encouraged women to remain steadfast in raising godly children, building strong families and contributing to national development, saying hope in God remained the foundation for overcoming the country’s challenges.

She said although kidnapping, killings, economic hardship and other security concerns had created widespread anxiety, Christians should not allow despair to define them.

“Our hope is in Christ, and we are confident that He will see us through every challenge,” she said.

Familoni described women as key partners in nation-building, stressing that responsible homes produce responsible citizens while societal decline often begins with the breakdown of family values.

She urged mothers to intentionally raise children with strong moral values and sound Christian teachings.

The conference also expressed concern over the state of healthcare and education, particularly in rural communities across Oyo State.

Familoni called on the Oyo State Government to improve healthcare delivery by upgrading primary healthcare centres, recruiting more medical personnel, providing modern equipment and improving the welfare of health workers to curb the migration of professionals abroad.

She also advocated increased investment in education through improved infrastructure, better welfare for teachers, safer schools and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

On insecurity, Familoni expressed concern over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area but commended President Bola Tinubu, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps and other security agencies for securing the victims’ release.

She urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to prioritise the medical, psychological and educational rehabilitation of the rescued victims while strengthening security around schools to prevent future attacks.

The two-day conference featured Bible teachings, prayer sessions, health and family discussions, worship and other activities aimed at strengthening women spiritually, emotionally and socially.