The annual Provincial Conference of the Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, Benin Province (CWONBEP) has ended with a call on women to become guardians of human dignity and peace.
The 4-day event from 26th-30th August hosted by Auchi Diocese and was held at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Afasho/Afowa Uzairue, Etsako West Council Area of Edo State Nigeria attracted over three thousand women drawn from the six dioceses that constitute Benin Province, including the Archdiocese of Benin, Dioceses of Warri, Iselle-Uku, Bomadi, Auchi and Uromi.
Preaching the homily during the Pontifical Holy Mass marking the opening of the conference, the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel G. Dunia charged women to live a life they can be proud of tomorrow.
Bishop Dunia whose message was taken from the story of the prodigal son noted that the father of the prodigal son who represents God Almighty is more prodigal for accepting the repentant son with joy and celebration.
He noted that the elder son who got angry because his father welcomed his prodigal brother can be compared to leaders who expect rewards for rendering services to humanity, adding that God who sees the heart of all knows who is doing what and would reward everyone accordingly.
On the role of mothers in the family, the church and the society, Bishop Dunia stated that the mother knows, nurtures, guides and trains the child from the cradle to become a useful member of the society, no matter the material resources available and tasks women to use their positions to take decisions that can make the society better.
Welcoming the conferees, the Provincial President, CWO, Benin Province, Dr. Lady Perekebina Berezi observed that the theme for the 2026 assembly: “Magnifica Humanitas: Women As Guardians of Dignity and Peace” is not only timely considering the security challenges facing Nigeria, but it also speaks to the greatness of the human person created in the image and likeness of God.
“As women and mothers, God has entrusted in us the sacred duty of guarding human dignity, nurturing life, and building peace in our homes, church, and society”, Dr. Berezi emphasized, adding that CWON is called to be the voice of conscience, the hands of charity, and the heart of compassion in a world where dignity is trampled upon, unity undermined, and peace threatened.
Delivering a keynote speech, the Chancellor of Auchi Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Sylvester Attashie charged women to protect their children from all manner of danger, stressing that a woman of dignity is a woman of peace.
Day 4 of the event also featured a Holy Mass officiated by the Auchi Diocesan CWO Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Callistus-Mary Ikhane who appealed to women to stand for the truth, and exercise self control in teaching and shaping their children.
Inspiring lectures on “Faith in Action: Women Upholding Human Dignity in Family, Church, and Society” and “Women as Bridge-Builders: Advancing Reconciliation, Dialogue, and Peaceful Communities’ by Rev. Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai harped on the power of women to connect families, parishes and communities while Rev. Fr. Martins Alokwe who spoke on “Empowerment with Responsibilities: Women as Catalysts for Justice, Equity, and Social Transformation”, maintained that man’s dignity is dependent on the image of God rather than on tribe, wealth or power, describing women as the instrument God can use to transform the society when adequately empowered.
Highlights of the event were award presentations to men and women who have distinguished themselves; annual general assembly, AGA during which each Diocesan President presented her annual report; Rosary Procession; and gala night during which prizes were presented to the winners of singing and quiz competitions.
Auchi Diocese clinched the first position in the singing competition, Uromi Diocese came second and Warri Diocese came third; whereas Benin Archdiocese took first position in quiz competition, Iselle-Uku Diocese came second and Bomadi Diocese emerged third.
