Women

Divorce And Remarriage: Any Benefits?

Published

11 years ago

February 5, 2016

In Oxford Learners’ Dictio
nary, divorce’ is defined as the legal ending of a marriage.
The ending of a relationship between two things or a separation. Remarriage is to marry again after being divorced or after one’s husband or wife has died. The philosophy of the biblical missing rib cannot be over-emphasised as long as marital relationship thrives. The marriage institution in the garden of Eden brings to bear that God has answers to every human problem.
The origin of marriage is traced back to Eden where God officiated and appended his signature to the indispensable, indissoluble and memorable union. God saw the need of man, even when not intimated to him and discovered that it was not good that the man (Adam) should be alone. Frankly, any teaching against marriage is the doctrine of the devil because it seeks to inflict moral flaws of lying in God. There is a necessity for marriage (Genesis 2:20) as it is a relationship between husband and wife. Marriage is the life contract made by a man and woman to live as husband and wife.
The Bible says “that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and they twain shall be one flesh, wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder” (Matthew 19:3-6).
The Lord carefully explained that marriage is no prerequisite to the kingdom of God. Maturity and education of the system are paramount before assuming and actualizing the status.
Marriage is life partnership, therefore, marriageable partners must pray for God’s will in their lives. Physical beauty has little contribution to the stability of the union.
True Christian uphold that “no divorce, no remarriage until death”.
Reverend Dakes stated seven reasons why marriage is indissoluble:- (1) Marriage is a divine institution.
(2) It is an express commandment
(3) It is an example of Adam and Eve (4) Because marriage makes a man and woman one flesh, with complete union of interest, fortunes, desires, joys, sorrows and a life-long partnership (5) Because of the evil consequences on divorce to themselves, the children and others who become entangled in sin by it.
(6) Because of the penalties involved by causing such evils (7) Because there is no excuse under the gospel for “hardness of hearts against each other”.
Divorce and remarriage are devilish. This is why Jesus Christ warned that “what God has joined together let no man put asunder”.
Any man who puts asunder has ruined his eternal destiny with God. God’s plan for marriage is oneness and togetherness until death. He made no provision for divorce and remarriage. Child upbringing is the absolute responsibility of the husband and wife, so with the exit of one partner single parents are incapacitated to vigorously carry out their duties.
Husband and wife must learn how to love, forgive and tolerate each other because there are no greener pastures. A husband must see his wife as the best woman and vice versa. Both of them must learn the art of love and maintain the sanctity. Marriage should not be entered into hurriedly but through prayers for compatibility. Married couples should endeavour to practice forgiveness and temperance in their relationship as Christians. Spouses should be able to declare their stand to their parents and in-laws. This is necessary because of their overriding influence in the African home but it must note that third parties are not wanted if the marriage must thrive until death. Some parents and in-laws are “marriage killers”, but a wise man must stand on his toes to ensure its continuity.
One of the deadly diseases militating against marriage vows today is suspicion. Happiness and joy can never exist between spouses who suspect one other because what exists prominently in their midst is fear, destructive criticisms, squabble, mistrust and divorce.
As marriage is a life-time contract, partners must love one another to avoid the evils of suspicion, which must not be seen, heard or entertained in a Christian home. Suspicion impedes the progress of any marriage just as there may be accusations. So, couples should be careful and fight their common enemy, Satan. They should not see themselves as enemies and they must maintain their marital vows no matter the cost to encourage new intakes into holy matrimony.
Marriage is ordained by God to be enjoyed and not endured. However, there are few exemptions in divorce and re-marriage outside death, based on cultural and religious values.
Nigerian culture approves payment of bride price either in court or traditional setting and consequently the church upholds this value as a vehicle for sanity. God in His holiness does not permit separation or divorce of the legally bound spouses, so also, the church. People should never allow the question of divorce and remarriage to occupy their heart any day as wives are legally bound with their own husbands as long as they live until death. Marriage is irrevocable relationship compared to Christ and His Church in all things.
There are factors that have legalized divorce and remarriage in a secular society and they should not be transferred to the church at all.
According to the book of Matthew 19:9, and I say unto you, whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication and shall marry another committed adultery and whosoever married her which is put away doeth commit adultery”. This is a direct statement of Jesus permitting divorce on the ground of fornication alone, that is, unfaithfulness or illicit sexual relationship with a third party.
What the scriptures mean is that any partner so divorced must remain unmarried.
Divorce is a disgrace and a public admission of utter failure. It has bad consequences in that the welfare of the children must be adversely affected, ruins love and happiness, brings sorrow and shame as well as loneliness. Days are gone when remarriage and divorce were based on certain factors as childlessness, permanent ill-health, search of male children, incompatibility, drunkenness, conviction of crime neglect to provide and so on. One major problem of divorce today could be traced to our insatiable lust and partners voluntarily build bridges to facilitate demonic invasions in the marriage, which end product may be fault-finding, witch-hunting, hatred, separation and divorce. Married couples are advised to uphold their partners as God’s model companion for them and enjoy a lasting marriage relationship originally intended by God at Eden.

Shedie Okpara

Representative of the Inspector General of Police, CP. Wilson Inalegwu (middle), representative of National President, Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs Esther Etim (3rd right) and the representative of Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs Veronica Iwodi and other participants, at the sensitisation workshop on Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Abuja, yesterday.

Women

Nigerian Women And Dividends Of Democracy

Published

1 month ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

Recently a gathering of women from all parts of Nigeria took place at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Lagos geared towards advancing women’s empowerment.

It was tagged: “10 Million Women Empowerment Mega Rally 2026”. It was a historic event.

There was a full-capacity attendance at the rally, with not less than 100 participants from each of the 36 states of the federation, despite the significant logistical challenges and costs involved.

The theme was: “10 Million Women, One Movement, One Voice, One Goal,” and was described by stakeholders as an unprecedented gathering in Nigeria’s history. The event marked a strategic shift from symbolic participation to substantive empowerment and representation of women at all levels.

During that event, the First Lady and wife of the Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency, Lady Valerie Fubara’s dedication to women’s empowerment was rooted in a clear vision: to strengthen women’s economic independence, educational advancement, and leadership capacity, ensuring that no woman was left behind.

Her consistent display of compassion, humility and service to humanity, particularly to women at the grassroots, has set a benchmark for first ladies across the country.

The rally stood as a testament to the power of collective female mobilization. She was described as a pillar of support for the advancement of peace, progress, and development among women.

The rally was to make a national impact and to have a strategic vision for Nigerian women.

In a keynote address at the rally, the National Convener of the 10 Million women empowerment mega rally initiative and Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the rally as a “defining moment”for Nigerian women and a transition from mere political participation to active leadership and influence.

The Minister outlined the initiative’s core objectives to include: Presentation of the Women’s Charter for National Development, to promote increased political and economic inclusion of women, Grassroots Integration Framework, to connect women’s groups across all 9,410 wards in Nigeria and tangible empowerment programmes, including the symbolic distribution of tricycles, hair dryers, and sewing machines to beneficiaries.

She reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to placing economic resources directly in the hands of women through targeted interventions that create jobs, provide business support, and expand access to skills training.

The Minister also expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her maternal leadership and unwavering support for the initiative, as well as to the wives of state governors whose contributions were instrumental to the programme’s success.

The 10 Million Women Empowerment Mega Rally 2026 signalled a new era where Nigerian women are not only participants in national development but active shapers of policy and progress.

That rally for me was not a mere one. I think that that rally may have been a kind of reminder to both the women and all stakeholders that women are prepared to get involved in politics when given the opportunity.

Such rally could also have served as an avenue to let the women know that they can.

During the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, women were represented in governance. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was the coordinating minister and minister of Finance and later served as minister of foreign affairs, Dr. Obi Ezekwesili was minister of education. Late Dora Akunyili served as minister of information after serving as chair of National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Boma Jack, a Rivers daughter, was the minister of culture and tourism under that administration.

Dr. Kema Chikwe was appointed minister of transport, minister of Aviation and Aerospace and later, National Women Leader of a political party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Rivers State has produced two powerful and qualified deputy governors, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, who is currently representing Rivers South West Senatorial District. Another is Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the deputy governor of Rivers State.

Prior the 2015 electioneering period, the former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, PhD, during each gathering of women would always go by their slogan: “Can we?” And women would say:”Yes we can”.

She championed the course of women attaining the 35% affirmative action. To a large extent, it was realistic. Women all over Nigeria were carried along in politics. Many states of the federation had female deputy governors.

There was a particular rally that brought women from every part of the country as they converged on Abuja. That rally had the likes of Prof Dora Akunyili of blessed memory, Josephine Aneni, just to mention but a few.

I remember when late Akunyili said:”if a man is the chairman of a local government, a woman should be the vice. If a man is a governor, the woman should be the deputy, and so on. Their message then was clear. They clamoured for creation of appointive and elective positions for women in Nigeria.

Of course women can. Those who at one time or the other were given opportunity to vie for elective positions and or appointed into positions of authority have done well.

Many women became deputy governors, vice chairmen, some were elected into state Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate.

Nkeiruka Onyejocha represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives and currently, Minister of State for Labour and Employment.

Uche Ekwunife was a member of House of Representatives and later represented and recently a Senator representing the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District.

Hon Blessing Onyeche Onuh was elected and is representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency of Benue State in the House of Representatives.

Senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan, represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. Her performance in representing her people is second to none. In fact, what she has done is worthy of emulation.

These and many are interested in participating in politics despite the knocks they receive from their counterparts.

Some stakeholders have come to say that Nigerian women at this time in history deserve full inclusion in politics rather than agitation for special seats in the National Assembly.

During the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) women conference that held in Yenagoa, recently, women from the Niger Delta region were asked to demand total freedom to participate in politics because they do not deserve to be treated as second-class citizens.

What happens in other countries of the world can also happen in Nigeria as regards women.

Reports have it that women in Britain do not have special seats in parliament as well as America. Their own system flows and recognises them, and women participate fully in politics. Nobody talks about special seats or women being under-privileged there. It can be done in Nigeria.

Nigerian women are very intelligent and are active in politics. They are also very active in their various professions. So, why are they asking for special seats?

Women across the world participate and become members of parliament, governors and presidents. Nigeria should not be an exception. The system should cover women.

As elections are coming next year, efforts to get more women integrated in politics in Nigeria should be intensified.

Bring in more women into governance either in the state executive, the state Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate.

In previous elections, there were situations where about 10 women would contest in various positions in some states, be it states or national assembly, but less than five of them would emerge winners. Most of those positions are dominated by the males.

A lot of problems are hindering Nigerian women from full participation in politics. Some of the problems range from competition from the opposite gender since it is assumed that women are weaker in nature.

Sometimes, the problem is even coming from fellow women. Nigerian women need full support and encouragement from their folks.

Family pressure is also one of the problems affecting women from participating fully in politics.

The quest for women’s participation in politics clearly means that women’s education does not end in kitchen.

As Nigeria marks 27 years in her return to democracy, it should be noted that women’s involvement and contribution can never be overemphasized.

Eunice Choko-Kayode

Women

NAWOJ Seeks Partnership With Hotel Presidential On Summit

Published

1 month ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The National Summit Planning Committee of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Rivers State Chapter has paid a courtesy visit to the Management of Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, to seek partnership for its forthcoming National Summit scheduled for 28th to 30th October, 2026.

The visit, led by the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Rivers State Chapter, Susan Lekara Nwinee and the Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Comrade Uchenda Bibian Okogbule, took place last Tuesday, at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.

In her address, Okogbule said NAWOJ, the women’s wing of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, is the umbrella body for all female journalists in Nigeria and the largest platform of women in media in West Africa.

“We are Storytellers, Truth-seekers, and Nation-builders. In Rivers State, our women are on the frontlines – reporting conflict, amplifying women’s voices and holding power to account. This morning, we come to you with a vision and a request for partnership,” she stated.

She said the 3-day National Summit, themed, “Empowering Women: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Change and Achieving A Sustainable Future: The Joy of Truth”, is expected to host over 5,000 women journalists, corporate leaders, editors, media owners, policymakers, development partners, entrepreneurs, civil society actors, and international delegates* from across the 36 States of Nigeria and beyond.

According to the Committee chairperson, the summit will interrogate critical issues including breaking glass ceilings in newsrooms, shaping constructive narratives, and ensuring women’s voices are heard and acted upon for national sustainability.

Okogbule noted that Hotel Presidential was selected based on three considerations namely, legacy, capacity, and partnership.

Her words: “This Hotel is Port Harcourt’s first 5-star address. It is a symbol of Rivers pride, excellence, and hospitality. Our national delegates deserve an iconic venue that matches the weight of our theme. We believe in ‘Rivers Women Supporting Rivers Institutions.”

She maintained that the he committee is seeking a sustainable partnership with Hotel Presidential in two key areas: such as venue partnership: A concessionary rate or sponsorship of the main conference hall for the 3-day summit.

In return, she said Hotel Presidential would be branded as NAWOJ’s “Official Venue Partner” across all national platforms, banners, TV, radio, and press materials.

She said that NAWOJ was also seeking financial and kind support, support for delegate welfare, refreshments, branding, or accommodation for out-of-state speakers, with partners’ logos listed as “Champion of Women.”

Her words: “Over 5,000 influential women will sleep, eat, meet, and post from Hotel Presidential. They will return to Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, among others, with stories of your excellence”.

The Committee appealed to the Hotel Management to support the initiative, noting that the partnership would position Hotel Presidential as the “home of change” and reinforce its reputation for hosting landmark national events.

“We have come with respect. We have come with a plan and we have come with faith that Hotel Presidential will say yes to Rivers women, yes to truth, and yes to a sustainable future,” she concluded.

The visit had in attendance members of Hotel Presidential Management, members of NAWOJ, Rivers State Chapter, led by the Chapter Chairperson, Susan Lekara Nwinee.

A copy of the Summit’s budget estimation was submitted to the Management for consideration.

Responding, the Managing Director of the hotel Presidential, Rex Yaakpogoro, promised to partner with the association.

Women

Nigerian Women And Dividends Of Democracy

Published

2 months ago

June 12, 2026