By Philomina Attah
The wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, has called for unity, collective responsibility and sustained commitment to national development to ensure inclusive growth across the country.
Shettima made the call on Friday in Abuja at the inauguration and award investiture of the Women Wing of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA).
Represented by Mrs Kwapchi Hamman, Special Assistant to the President on Media and ICT (Office of the Vice President), she emphasised that the success of any national initiative depends on the shared vision and dedication of all stakeholders.
She urged the newly inaugurated executives to prioritise service, accountability and impact in their various roles.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to strengthening institutions and fostering inclusive growth.
“Collaboration is key to achieving sustainable development goals, and I encourage the appointees to see their roles as a call to service that will directly influence the lives of citizens,” she said.
In her remarks, former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, described women as the “heart and engine” of the church and society.
Tallen urged the leaders to view their positions as a divine responsibility, noting that women play a central role in nurturing faith and unity.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Sen. Amos Yohanna (Adamawa North), said divine intervention through prayer had remained the bedrock of Nigeria’s survival.
“Our prayers have continued to keep Nigeria together and safe. It is a challenging time, but we must continue to hold the faith and do everything necessary for peace,” Yohanna said.
The Chairman of NOCRELA, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, while inaugurating the pioneer executives, described the involvement of women as indispensable, likening leadership without them to a “tasteless meal without salt.”
Daniel, who also manages an orphanage for children displaced by conflict, charged the women to remain watchful and resilient, especially in caring for vulnerable groups in Northern Nigeria.
“Any leadership without the involvement of women will become tasteless. Women possess the unique strength and tenacity required to keep the nation together,” he said.
On his part, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, urged Christian women to actively participate in politics and the electoral process.
“You must involve yourselves in politics and voting so that the church can have its rightful space in this nation. Do not fold your hands,” Yakubu said.
In her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairperson of the NOCRELA Women Wing, Mrs Christy David, described the assembly as a “beacon of hope” and a “voice of truth.”
She pledged to deepen the group’s commitment to fostering harmony and social justice across the region.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other executives include Mrs Saraya Agidi, National Vice Chairperson; Rev. Anita Almasih, National Secretary; Mrs Rahab Maigari, National Treasurer; Mrs Sopye Iliya, National Financial Secretary; and Ms Racheal Abujah, National Publicity Secretary.
The event featured the administration of the oath of office to the pioneer executives, including directors for politics, governance and ecumenism.
It also included an award ceremony honouring Shettima, Tallen and other distinguished leaders for their support to the organisation. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
