Group gives awards, celebrates women in marriage

Recently, the Women of Valour Global Mission and Harriet New Life Foundation celebrated exceptional Nigerian Christian women, who have been courageous in promoting excellence in marriage, as well as, a man for promoting women through his women leadership development initiative at the maiden edition of the Valiant Women Awards.

At a well-attended ceremony held at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, a post- humous heroine award for courage and sacrifice was given to late Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Ameyo Adadevoh for her sacrifice to stop the Ebola Virus in Nigeria and other categories of awards.

The Valiant Woman of the year was given to Mrs. Busola Jegede, while Mrs. Faith Debekeme (86), who has been married for 58 years, received the Golden Woman of the year. Role model of the year went to Mrs. Ada Cecilia Ozoadibe and a special recognition was given to Mr. Elisha Attai, the founder of African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO).

The Valiant Women Awards is aimed at celebrating outstanding women who are living and performing their roles in marriage and family, using God’s principles, with the hope that when such women are recognised, the dignity of the institution will be restored.

Delivering a speech at the event, Mrs. Lovett Obiakalusi, president of the organisation and initiator of the award said: “We have searched and identified these women of honour and when you read about their achievements, you will agree with us that they are, indeed, women of substance, worthy of emulation, as they have lived for the greater glory of the marriage institution.”

Debekeme, one of the awardees, shared some of her guiding principles with guests, as she said:

“Never pretend, always be yourself. A wife must build up her family, must be tolerant, forgiving and be ready to overlook many things. She must put God first in all things and listen to her parents. Do not meet and marry any man, just because you are in love.”