Women of the Lagos Archdeaconry in the Diocese of Lagos gathered at St. Paul’s Church, Breadfruit, for their annual Praise Day celebration, a spiritual and charitable event dedicated to thanksgiving, evangelism, and service to the less privileged.

The wife of the Vicar of St. Paul’s Church and leader of the Lagos Archdeaconry women Fadeke Oyediran, spoke on the significance of the gathering, saying it to appreciate God’s faithfulness and mercy.

According to her, “Praise Day is an annual event we do to appreciate God in our lives. Every year we gather to praise God and appreciate what God has done and what He is doing in our midst and in our churches. We would never take Him for granted,” she said.

Oyediran explained that the women also used the opportunity to highlight their charitable works, which include supporting orphans, the homeless, and vulnerable women.

She narrated how the group adopted a blind girl who lost her parents at an early age. Now 22, the young woman is in Queens College, Lagos and has been fully cared for by the women of Lagos Archdeaconry.
She encouraged members to remain steadfast despite economic difficulties, saying: “As things are in Nigeria, some of us are still struggling, but we go on to help people. That is what God has asked us to do—go out to win souls, invest in people’s lives.

In his message, Ven. Dr. Julius Oyediran, the Vicar and Archdeacon of Lagos, underscored the importance of praise, noting it helps to improve faith in God. He added praises must come from the heart for it to be acceptable. “Anything that will not glorify God should not be practiced. God fight for his people and give them victory when they praise. Praises will take our eyes and heart off the problems and challenges confronting us.”

Chief (Mrs.) Funke Arthur-Worrey, who chaired this year’s Praise Day, commended the resilience of the women in balancing their busy schedules with service to others.

“With the economic challenges in the world today, you continue to work hard to make life better for the needy in our society. You nurture the blind, the impaired, the homeless, and so many others. I pray you will never be tired of doing good.

Lady Abike Ogundeyi, a member of St. Paul’s Church, and Co-chairperson, also stressed the importance of thanksgiving, noting that praising God brings peace of mind, contentment, and spiritual upliftment.