Kumuyi, Ann-Kio Briggs, others urge women to drive positive change

The Founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), Dr. William Folorunsho Kumuyi, has called on women to become active change agents making a positive impact in the society.

Kumuyi, who is the Convener of Change Makers International (CMI) Initiative gave the charge at the opening session of the Global Women Conference with the theme, “Driving Positive Change and Social Impact”, organised by CMI Initiative at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Kumuyi noted the pivotal role women play in shaping the future, particularly, through raising their children to become responsible and visionary leaders.

Citing Proverbs 14:34 and Exodus 2, Kumuyi elaborated the qualities women must possess to drive this change, emphasising that women, as mothers and nurturers, hold the keys to societal transformation.

“Women need to be thinkers, action-oriented, watchful, and strategists. They must be emotionally stable, reliable, and resilient.”

He praised the Biblical figures Miriam and Moses’ mother, noting how they not only preserved Moses’ life but also prepared him to lead the Israelites out of bondage.

Kumuyi encouraged women to be “methodical mentors, objective optimists, transformational teachers, and exemplary educators,” emphasising that these attributes are essential in moulding the next generation.

One of the guest speakers at the conference and Niger Delta activist, Ann-Kio Briggs stressed the need for women to be more involved in decision-making processes within Nigeria, as, according to her, women’s active participation is crucial for achieving meaningful change.

“We are the most vulnerable to the impacts of bad governance, environmental pollution, and climate change.”

She highlighted the myriad challenges faced both globally and locally, including poverty, corruption, and moral decay, urging women to engage in technology to better monitor and protect their children’s exposure to potentially harmful content in the virtual space.

In her address, Professor Taiwo Adenijuyi, of the Petrochemical Department of Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, underscored the importance of the gathering as a platform for women to equip themselves with the skills necessary to drive impactful change.

She echoed the sentiment that the challenges faced today should be seen as opportunities for growth and innovation.

On his part, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs in Rivers State, Clapton Ogolo, highlighted the sacrifices women must make in their quest for change.

He emphasised that the family is the cornerstone of society, and women, in their dual roles as caregivers and professionals, must carefully balance their responsibilities.

Ogolo called for structures that support working mothers, such as workplace creches, to ease the burden of child-rearing.