The President of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Most Rev. David O. C. Onuoha, has charged Christian women to confront the challenges facing Nigeria with courage, faith and determination.

Onuoha gave the charge while delivering the keynote address at the 7th Biennial Convention of the Women Wing of the Christian Council of Nigeria (WOWICCN) in Jos, Plateau State.

The convention, which is holding from September 2 to 6, 2026, has the theme, “For We Are Well Able to Overcome,” drawn from Numbers 13:30.

The CCN President, who was represented at the event by Rev. Dr. Ephriam Simon Yakubu, described the theme as both inspirational and a prophetic call for Christian women to rise above the challenges confronting the nation.

According to him, the same spirit of courage and faith is required to confront the “giants” facing Nigerian families, churches, communities and the nation.

He identified insecurity and violence, economic hardship, gender injustice and spiritual compromise as some of the major challenges confronting Nigerian women and the wider society.

On insecurity, Onuoha noted that banditry, violence and abductions had affected communities across the North-West, North-East and North-Central regions.

He said women had often borne a significant part of the burden, having lost husbands, children, homes and livelihoods to violence.

He also highlighted the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, particularly the impact of inflation and the rising cost of living on women and children.

The CCN President called on government to prioritise the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, especially women and children who, he said, bear some of the heaviest consequences of economic hardship.

On gender injustice, he called for greater recognition of the role of women in the Church and society.

He stressed that women are gifted, called and equipped by God to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the Church and the nation.

Onuoha also warned against spiritual compromise within the Church, urging Christian women to remain committed to the Bible, prayer, purposeful fasting and genuine Christian discipleship.

He said women who would overcome the challenges of the present generation must be spiritually grounded and capable of building families and communities that can withstand difficult times.

The CCN President further challenged young women not to allow the size of the challenges around them to intimidate them or diminish their calling.

He urged women in the middle of their life journeys not to give up, while calling on older women to mentor and empower younger generations.

He said the experience of older women should be seen as a treasure that must be passed on to the next generation.

Onuoha urged the women to leave the convention with the declaration, “We are well able to overcome,” not merely as a slogan but as a statement of faith.

“The Women Wing of the Christian Council of Nigeria has always been a wing of the overcoming,” he said, urging the women to remain steadfast and continue their service to God and society.

National Chairperson of WOWICCN, Prof. Ekwutosi Essien Offiong, said the women’s wing is an ecumenical body comprising about 16 denominations under the Christian Council of Nigeria.

She said the theme was a reminder that although Nigerians are confronted by numerous challenges, God remains greater than the problems facing the nation.

“Our key message to all of us women, fathers, children, everyone in Nigeria is that the obstacles are there,” she said.

“But we have a God who is bigger than those things. And through Him, we are well able to overcome all of those things.”

Addressing women in Plateau State, Offiong urged them not to lose faith despite the persistent challenges of insecurity, conflict and violence.

She assured them that God remains concerned about their circumstances and would see them through the difficult period.

The national chairperson also disclosed that WOWICCN donated relief materials, including food items and toiletries, to internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by insecurity.

She expressed hope that the beneficiaries would eventually return to their communities and resume normal lives.

Plateau CCN Welcomes Delegates

The Plateau State Chairperson of CCN, Evangelist Dorcas Yusuf Lenkat, described the hosting of the convention as an opportunity to showcase a different narrative about Plateau State.

She said women from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory had gathered in Jos for spiritual fellowship, unity and prayers for peace.

According to her, the convention would also strengthen the bond among the different denominations that make up the Christian Council of Nigeria.

Lenkat said the gathering provided an opportunity for participants to pray against the persistent crises, killings and other challenges affecting Plateau State and Nigeria.

The General Secretary of WOWICCN, Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara, said the convention theme represented a profound statement of faith in God’s promises.

He commended the women for their contributions to Christian unity, family values, moral development and community transformation.

He prayed that the convention would deepen the participants’ faith and equip them for greater service.

Also speaking, the Plateau State Chairman of CCN, Rt. Rev. Daniel Agbése, welcomed delegates to Jos.

He described the decision to host the convention in Plateau as a demonstration of faith, courage and unity despite negative narratives about the state.

Agbése said the presence of the women had turned Jos into a centre of prayer, praise and fellowship.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to outstanding women in recognition of their contributions to WOWICCN and ecumenical engagements.

Relief materials, including food items, clothes and toiletries, were also presented to internally displaced persons in Plateau State.

The convention continues with other activities and will conclude with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday.