By Blessing Nneoma
The Catholic Diocese of Awka Mary League Girls’ Association has held a leadership summit tagged, “Vessel Meet for God’s Use”, at Archbishop A.K. Obiefuna Retreat Centre, Okpuno, Awka, Anambra State.
The event was graced by notable personalities, including the Diocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Paschal Udeh; Lady Dr. Ngozi Ekwunife; Mr. Oliver Nnamani and Sr. Nneka Araenye (MSHR).
The programme started with lectures, with the first speaker, Lady Dr. Ekwunife, founder of Elovas Foundation, emphasizing the importance of navigating courtship with confidence, self-worth, and the fear of God. She encouraged the girls to acquire skills, even while in school, noting that such preparation was crucial before entering into courtship or marriage.
She stressed that having a skill gives a young woman value and made her an asset, rather than leaving her dependent, and being asked what she brought to the table. According to her, acquiring skills not only helps in building self-worth but also provides a significant advantage in life and relationships.
Lady Dr. Ekwunife further spoke on self-confidence, urging the girls to step out of their comfort zones, explore opportunities, and develop confidence without depending on anyone. She highlighted the importance of resilience, stating that it takes love to forgive hate. She advised that even when faced with rejection, young women should not feel depressed but instead remain confident and keep moving forward with the belief that greater things lay ahead.
Addressing the subject of courtship, she reminded the girls to know their worth and clearly communicate their needs, boundaries, and expectations to their partners. By doing so, she explained, they would be able to discern the true attitude of the man and determine what they could handle in marriage.
She warned against the disadvantages of low self-esteem, which, she said, could lead to poor decisions, settling for less, or constantly seeking validation.
Lady Ekwunife explained that during courtship, setting healthy boundaries would enable them to maintain integrity and respect. Knowing one’s worth, she said, would help them choose partners who supported and respected their values and opinions.
She concluded her lecture by reminding the girls that the fear of God was essential in life and relationships. With reverence for God, they would find direction, protection, and guidance in their personal journeys, she said.
The programme also featured a short drama presentation on courtship performed by participants.
The first group discussed traditional courtship and the importance of going into courtship before marriage, highlighting the need to consider the attitude and family background of the man one intended to marry.
The second group presented a topic on online courtship. Their talk detailed the dangers of online dating and cautioned young ladies not to believe everything they saw online.
Sr. Araenye charged that the Mary League Girls’ Association to carry the lessons they had learned into their various parishes and encourage good behaviour among young ladies.
The second speaker, Mr. Nnamani, delivered a presentation that guided the Mary League Girls’ Association on discovering their potential, identifying themselves, and understanding their purpose in life. In his explanation, he stressed that God had a purpose for creating everyone and that every creation has meaning and purpose.
He said that to discover, meant to learn and further advised that as young ladies, it was important to know who they were.
He encouraged participants to identify why God created them as women and to maintain their purity before marriage.
Mr. Nnamani explained that sex within marriage is not a sin but emphasized that it became sinful when done outside the marital bond. He warned against premarital sex and advised the young ladies to discover their potential, understand their identity, and recognize the image of God within them.
He concluded by reminding the participants that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
After the lectures, an interactive session was held where the audience asked questions and the speakers provided responses.
In an interview, Lady Ekwunife highlighted the importance of the lectures, noting that young ladies preparing for marriage needed such guidance. She stressed that chastity was vital and that the lectures deepened their understanding of the need to prepare themselves properly before marriage.
The programme ended with a formal address, delivered by the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Udeh, who acknowledged the presence of guests and participants.
Miss Chidimma Ejidike, the Diocesan President, on behalf of the Mary League Girls’ Association, gave a note of appreciation, commending the speakers for honouring their invitation despite the short notice.
The summit concluded with impactful and inspiring lectures that left the young ladies enlightened and motivated and to embrace their calling as vessels for God’s use.
