By VIVIAN DANIEL
The lead pastor of Revival House of Glory International Church (RHOGIC) and former pastor of House on the Rock Church, Apostle Goodheart Obi Ekwueme, has said that Christian men and women who are balanced, fully grown or developed and have a clear sense of calling in that direction are required to go into politics in Nigeria.
He said this during the end-of-the-year gathering and night of recognition held at The Macquee, Livingbrook Park, Asokoro, Abuja on Sunday, December 1. The event was organised by Mothers Circle, a women’s clergy fellowship.
Mothers Circle is a fellowship of frontline women Christian leaders, women pastors, itinerant ministers, and pastors’ wives in Abuja. The organisation has been in existence for six years and it’s current membership consists of 20 personalities from 15 churches.
Speaking to Sundiata Post on the significance of Mothers Circle and why he attended the occasion, he said, “Well, my wife is fully a part of Mothers Circle, very active and engaged in its activities. Also, the leader of Mothers Circle, Apostle Obii Pax-Harry, is very dear to me and has been my good friend for the past 20 years or more. So, by extension, I am also a part of the Mothers Circle, even though I am a man.”
He said he has been supportive of Mothers Circle since its formation, saying he believes in its cause and vision.
Apostle Obi Ekwueme commended Mothers Circle for the unity and level of bonding that have existed amongst the “great, powerful and gifted women of God who make up its membership.”
He eulogised the two women who were honoured with awards. They are Pastor Adebayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, Federal Capital Territory Administration, who received Outstanding Leadership Recognition and Award as a Kingdom Ambassador; and Apostle Opuaya Agha, Founder, When Women Pray International. She was honoured with Outstanding Leadership Recognition and Award As a Kingdom Builder and Reformer.
Obi Ekwueme noted that the recognitions speak loudly about their impact on the body of Christ and the community at large, adding that these women truly stand out in their different spheres and deserve all the accolade.
Additionally, Apostle Obi Ekwueme highlighted other ways Mothers Circle can make more impact in Nigeria.
He said, “Women are very influential. They are multipliers. Their work will serve as a catalyst which will invariably impact on more women in the city where they are operating and the nation at large, positively.”
He reiterated the huge influence Mothers Circle has made in bringing the women clergy and pastors’ wives together under one purpose; saying it should serve as a huge encouragement and template for other women to replicate.
Obi Ekwueme urged Christian women who are not eager to join politics or be a part of governance in Nigeria to do so. “They should not allow evil to take centre stage in our nation”, he told Sundiata Post.
“Whilst politics is perceived to be a dirty game, I encourage Christians (men and women) who are grounded in the word of God, mature and have a sense of calling in that direction to venture into politics. Hopefully, they will do it differently. What I found out is that some who have gone in there have forgotten their values and roots. They have become swayed and taken by what they found there”, he lamented.
“I agree that politics is a tough terrain but I believe the kind of Mordecai and Esther relationship will help keep the Christians who go into politics in constant check.
He noted that his expectation from the Mothers Circle in the next one year and beyond should be like that of Proverb 4:18 as he believes that the life of a Christian is progressive.
He said he expects growth and increased impact in the work they are doing while emphasising that “Our tomorrow should always be better and more impactful than yesterday as these are what God has promised His children.”
Married with four children – three boys and a girl – Pastor Obi Ekwueme is also the Apostolic Lead of Horn of Revival Ministry (HORM), a global outreach ministry with a mandate to carry out revival across nations.
