Women in Rivers State have been urged to embrace available opportunities, maintain integrity in their endeavours, and strive for excellence in business, politics and leadership.
The call was made during the September monthly prayer meeting organised by Rivers Women Unite for SIM (RWUS), in collaboration with its parent body, Rivers Women Unite Organisation (RWUOG), on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The meeting combined prayers, spiritual exhortation, business enlightenment and empowerment, providing participants with an opportunity to strengthen their faith, share experiences, and encourage one another.
The spiritual session was led by Dr. Mrs. Queen Karibi-Botoye, with participants engaging in prayers, spiritual exercises and moments of reflection.
Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Mrs. Nancy Nwankwo advised women against selling their votes during elections, urging them to safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process.
She said temporary gifts offered during elections could not be compared with the long-term consequences of political decisions on citizens and their communities.
Also speaking, Honourable Dr. Mrs. Tekena Wokoma, a politician, entrepreneur and businesswoman, urged women to take advantage of business opportunities while maintaining integrity, honesty, discipline and a purposeful approach.
Wokoma, who spoke from her experience in business and the use of loan facilities, stressed the importance of responsible financial management, urging women to honour their repayment obligations and build credibility through integrity.
She also encouraged women to become more active in politics and public affairs, saying they should move beyond the roles of supporters and campaigners to become aspirants, candidates, decision-makers and leaders.
A member of RWUOG, Dr. Margaret Ayara, said the organisation had continued to equip women with practical skills to enable them to support their families and contribute to community development.
Ayara said skills acquisition and economic empowerment were important complements to spiritual development, as they could boost women’s confidence and capacity for financial independence.
The organisers said the September meeting underscored the importance of combining faith, knowledge, integrity and courage in enabling women to embrace opportunities, excel in business and participate actively in leadership and society.
