Economic Challenges: Rivers Women Tasked on Self Devt

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Dr. Lolo Gelsham, a stakeholder in Rivers State, urged women in the state to focus on self‑development so they can be better positioned in society.

The call came as women in Rivers State were encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith amid the country’s ongoing political and economic challenges.

Gelsham appealed to women across the state to stay focused and not let distractions or temporary hardships weaken their commitment to peace, unity, and progress in Rivers State.

She delivered the message while speaking on “Self Development Skills” at a program organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RIWUS) in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The woman leader stressed that women should continually grow in their chosen fields—whether business, education, or politics.

“In that market where you are selling, package yourself. If you don’t have WAEC, you can register and write. If you had an OND, you can further your education, and if you have a first degree, you can go for a Master’s. Just keep growing,” she said.

“When they ask you, what are you bringing to the table, tell them I am the table. But you cannot be the table without developing yourself,” she added.

Gelsham explained that the event is a monthly prayer session where Rivers State women gather to pray for the peace of the state and the country as a whole.

“I would like to say that we have gathered to pray for the survival of River State. We own River State. We are mothers, we are wives, we are sisters; our gathering here is to the glory of God. We are praying for our leaders; we are praying for those of them in power. We are not here to talk about the political parties, withdrawal or no withdrawal,” she said.

The woman leader noted that the prayers of women have averted bloodshed and crisis in the state despite recent incidents, especially insecurity across Nigeria.

Pastor Boma Ibanichuka said the women had gathered to pray for the peace and prosperity of the state.

“RIWUS is beyond politics. And that is why, no matter what happens in other states, Rivers State is peaceful. We are praying to God for peace of the state and for peace of the nation because without peace, the state cannot prosper,” she said.

Glory Sunday, the Media Officer of RWUS, noted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has continued to exhibit uncommon leadership qualities through his developmental strides and people‑oriented programmes across the state.

The women said their organization remains interfaith‑based, with a strong commitment to continuous prayers and intercession for the peace, stability, and advancement of Rivers State and Nigeria in line with Fubara’s policy actions.

The group urged women not to grow weary in difficult times but to remain hopeful and steadfast in faith, stressing that God remains faithful in turning difficult situations for the better.

RWUS reaffirmed its unwavering support for Governor Fubara, describing him as a people‑oriented leader committed to spreading development and improving the welfare of Rivers people across the state.

They also condemned the abduction of school children in some parts of the country and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the children, describing the incident as unfortunate and praying for their safe return.

Also, Adata Bio‑Briggs highlighted that youths, both men and women, have joined the women in prayer. “We have a lot of youths among us that have come together to pray for the state, to stand in the gap for the state, to support good governance, to support whatever is good for our state and our nation,” she said.

In her sermon, Pastor Priye Oarhe thanked the resilience of the women, adding: “It takes a lot of courage for everything that is happening in your state to still get up and say I am going to serve God,” she said.