Extolling Values Of The Girl – Child

The Irony of existence is
that Life is a function of the choice we make. It  offers us alternative and option(s) to choose from, consequently making us take responsibility for actions and inactions.
This is why some people believe that the choice we make defines life expression and the attendant results.
However there are certain experiences that transcend the control of man.  For instance a person cannot determine who their parents should be, their nativity (where they should be born) and their composition. These are essentially acts of God.
In most African cultures where gender-defined-roles is a norm and male dominance is common, the girl-child seems to have lost her priceless value.  This is because of the erroneous view that a girl-girl is a product for another family, through marriage.
However, this belief is far from truth as the girl-child who grows into an adult female with proper parenting and adequate care becomes an asset for both her biological and matrimonial families.
It is unfortunate that what should be seen as a “Pearl of great Price”, is to some minds an unwanted human specie to some men .  This is to say the least the height of ingratitude. It is no longer news that there are no gender-defined roles or professions or vocations anymore, as it is crystal clear that even human walks of life that were hitherto the exclusive preserve or dominated by men are being ventured into by women.
Society is replete with women who have distinguished themselves in fields of human endeavour and have left an indelible mark in the sands of time.
We cannot forget in a hurry the unquantifiable contributions of Margaret Ekpo, Fumilayo Ransome Kuti who emancipated women from the shackles of political and economic domination through their vociferous activities.  Oby Ezekwesili and Late Professor Dora Akunyili who spiced the nation’s socio-economic and political sphere with their wealth of experience and were able to foster rebirth of core values which were moribund in our system, are legendaries of the inestimable value of virtuous woman who started from the cradle of a Girl-Child.
In a similar vein, the Bible’s Hall of Faith in the book of Hebrews Chapter Twelve, gives a catalogue of heroes of faith who were captivated by their conviction of faith that informed their actions and inactions to God and humanity.
These Virtuous women include Sarah, a model mother, Deborah, a valiant and courageous leader, Abigail, a wise and prudent wife; Esther, a faithful nationalist, Ruth, the committed and purposeful follower and several others.  All these women, the Bible says will be “crowned” someday at the Judgement seat following the Rapture of the saints, but not without us (the several others who have believed in Jesus).
It is in this spirit of honouring the virtuous girl-child that the Rivers District of Assemblies of God Nigeria at her 15th Triennial Council meeting held recently in Port Harcourt deemed it necessary to crown thirty-two girls drawn from sixteen sections of the District, with Okrika Mainland parading the majority of eight.
These girls known in the Assemblies of God Parlance as “Missionette” were adjudged worthy in character and knowledge of Scripture to be conferred with such rare honour which was seen as a foretaste of the crowing and rewards of those who would hold on to their faith to the end, at the Bema Judgment.
Speaking at the ceremony, the wife of the General Treasurer of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev (Mrs) Vincent Alaje, told the girls who were within the age bracket of twelve and fifteen that their crowning was a constant reminder of the ultimate crowning and honour that would take place in heaven when all the redeemed will meet Jesus face to face.
She urged them to remain faithful and true to the teachings they had received which is capable of saving them to the end and avoid such acts that are inimical to biblical injunctions and the value system.
Rev. Alaje who performed the ceremony with the compliment of other daughters of destiny in attendance, was full of praises for local church misisonette leaders who through their exemplary roles and commitment to their assigned responsibilities, the uphill tasks notwithstanding, were able to tutor and mentor the girls to spiritual citadel of honour.
She noted that while the morally-decadent society poses debilitating threat to child-upbringing an avowed commitment and determination on the part of parents, wards and spiritual care givers to bring children up in the fear of God and regard for value system was the required balm to guarantee better children for a greater tomorrow.

Igbiki Benibo