By Philomina Attah
The World Day of Prayer Committee of Nigeria (WDPCN) has called on Nigerians to embrace divine intervention as the ultimate solution to the nation’s lingering security and economic hurdles.
They made the appeal on Friday in Abuja during the 2026 Women’s World Day of Prayer service, themed: “I Will Give You Rest, Come” (Matthew 11:28-30).
The National Chairperson and Liaison Officer of WDPCN, Rt. Rev. Eunice Kalu, described the event’s theme as a “divine invitation” for a country burdened by insecurity and social unrest.
”Jesus is calling us to come to Him, especially in this era of insecurity and terrorism,
“He is the only one who can give us holistic rest physically, emotionally, and financially,” Kalu said.
Speaking to newsmen, Kalu noted that while the government was making efforts to secure the nation, the persistence of these challenges suggested a need for spiritual refuge.
”My advice to the nation is that we should fall in line with this invitation.
“Let us acknowledge Jesus as the Lord of Nigeria and our city of refuge. That is when Nigeria will embrace true peace,” she added.
The Chairperson highlighted a historic milestone, noting that for the first time in the movement’s 99-year global history, Nigeria served as the “Writer Country” for the 2026 global liturgy, a process that began in 2017.
Kalu appealed to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to encourage all church leaders to allow their women to participate in the movement, regardless of denomination.
The General Secretary of the body, Deborah Oloche, explained that the movement was an ecumenical platform that brought together Christian women from various traditions to pray and carry out humanitarian activities.
She noted that beyond prayer, the movement was guided by the principle of “informed prayer and prayerful action,” which encouraged members to support communities through charity, outreach and social support initiatives.
According to Oloche, the organisation promotes unity among Christians while encouraging members to translate their faith into practical acts of service.
Also speaking, the Head of the Prayer Committee and Chairperson for the C&S Movement Church Worldwide, Mrs Yemisi Coker, emphasised the power of unified prayer.
”When women pray, nations move. Prayer focuses us on the problem and gives us strategy and vision.
“We are praying that the Lord moves the hearts of our leaders to do the correct thing,” Coker said.
She further noted that over 170 countries worldwide were simultaneously directing their prayers toward Nigeria, given its status as the writer country for the year.
In her remarks, the National Coordinator for Young Women and Girls, Mrs. Chisom Chukwumerije, stressed that prayer remained a vital tool for capturing the “spirit realm” to effect physical change.
”Prayer is not all we need, but it is inclusive. Once the spirit realm is captured, it begins to manifest physically.
“We are surrendering the social unrest in Nigeria and the Middle East to God,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WDPCN, established in 1962 by Lady Eudora Ibiam, remains an interdenominational movement.
However, the leadership noted that it was facing several challenges, including the lack of a permanent office and the non-involvement of some denominations.
NAN also reports that the event featured corporate prayer sessions, worship, scripture reflections and goodwill messages, with participants offering intercessions for national unity, leadership, and global peace.
Organisers said hosting the programme in Abuja reflected Nigeria’s active participation in global Christian fellowship and its commitment to strengthening unity among women of faith across different denominations.
The committee also announced preparations for the 2027 Centennial Celebration of the World Day of Prayer International, which will be hosted by its Africa Region in Ghana.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen
