Written by Olu Famous
The second graduation ceremony of the International Women School of Ministry - IWSOM - took place on Saturday the 22nd of May 2010, amidst excitement, glamour and razzmatazz. The event attracted personalities of various disciplines such as Pastors, Bankers, Politicians, Captains of Industry and members of the Academia, who all made enormous contributions to the programme.
By midday when the events proper commenced, the auditorium of Harvesthouse Int’l Church (HIC), venue of the ceremony, was almost filled to capacity with guests, facilitators, families and friends of the graduating students. While intimating the gathering of their journey with IWSOM, leaders of each group took time to give graphic details of their tasks and how they were able to affect humanity positively.
Judging from their mind-boggling presentations and the responses of guests in the hall, it became evident that IWSOM is indeed championing a worthy course that should be supported by individuals and organisations of like minds. From the Slum to the Ghetto, Prison to Hospital, the groups visited, interacted, trained, fed, played with and provided succour to the sick, hopeless, hapless and down-trodden in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
However, the impact made by Group A in a local settlement known as Karamajiji Community in the Lugbe axis of the FCT was so fundamental that it attracted weighty applause from dignitaries and guests present. The group’s leader further disclosed that she and her mates had decided to take their mandate to a higher dimension by registering an NGO that will render similar services but on a broader spectrum. This statement was applauded by all and further endeared the group to the hearts of many.
In his charge to the gathering entitled ‘Workers In The Vineyard’, Engr. D. Adeniji, a top Federal Civil Servant, spoke glowing on the importance of women in every society, adding that they are a special creature from God. He went ahead to enumerate some key roles that women played before, during and after the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, and quoted copiously from relevant chapters of the Holy Bible to back his assertions. He advised all to shun every act of self-adulation, stressing that humility should be the hallmark of a Christian’s life. He encouraged the facilitators of IWSOM to keep up the good work and wished them well in their endeavours.
There was a brief music presentation by a gospel artiste called Bro. Ben, after which the event’s anchor, Pastor Isaiah Emmanuel called on the Coordinator of IWSOM, Pastor Sam Oye, to give his key note address. The man of God, who is also the President of Springtime Int’l Leadership Foundation, started by analyzing the goals, objectives and achievements of the institution from its inception in September 2009 till date. Change in all strata of society, he pointed out, is what IWSOM represents. He advised the gathering to dedicate themselves more to positioning the psyche of the next generation in a more positive direction, rather than spending time criticising our present political leaders.
As a result of the quality of training offered to students in the Ministry, Pastor Sam informed the congregation that Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ghana and London were already yearning for the presence of IWSOM. He disclosed that plans are in motion to introduce an Advance Diploma Course for the Ministry and called on people of goodwill to contribute to the sustenance of the dream. He concluded his well articulated address with one of the several quotes of Mother Teresa on Love.
The cutting of cake was jointly done by Pastor Sam Oye, students, dignitaries as well as the Registrar of IWSOM, Deacon Kayode Alonge. Awards of recognition were presented to Pastor Israel Abam, Pastor Sam Oye, Pastor Isaiah Emmanuel and Prof. Osmond Onyenka for their meritorious services. Thereafter, certificates of graduation were presented to the students accordingly.
In a brief speech at the event, Pastor Israel Abam, who is the Senior Pastor of Guiding Light Assembly (Abuja Worship Centre), said he was surprised at the low fees students were paying to receive such quality education at IWSOM, adding that he would support the Ministry to continue. He said the programme’s impact is visible on the few women that had attended it from his Church and promised to send more students next session. He gave thumbs-up to Group A for their effort in Karamajiji Community, which he said he never knew existed and promised to contribute to their project in the area.
In a chat with AbujaEvents, Prof. Osmond Onyeka, the Dean of Academics FEDCAM Abuja, saluted the efforts of Pastor Sam Oye in human development issues, describing him as a special gift to the next generation. He decried the level of mediocrity among people in positions of authority in the country, adding that if everyone should focus on what he could do to change the system, a lot of things will be better in the country. The US trained Professor of Integrated Medicine disclosed that he is one of the facilitators of IWSOM and that he is prepared to give up his possessions to support take the Ministry to greater heights.
While speaking with AbujaEvents also, leaders of the Five Groups namely Sis. Ene Ben-Uloko (Group A), Sis. Oluwakemi Ranti (Group B), Sis. Rose Austin (Group C), Sis. Helen Ufuoma (Group D) and Sis. Chimdi Okpara (Group E), all gave kudos to the convener of IWSOM for what they unanimously described as a great and lofty idea. They recalled their individual experiences while executing their various tasks with delight and gave gratitude to God for the opportunity it afforded them to torch lives, meet new friends and contribute their little quota to the good of society.
The event has come and gone, but it’s certain that the beautiful memories will be etched in the memory of everyone, especially the active participants, for a long, long time.
Cross section of dignitaries at the event
The graduates waiting patiently for their certificates
Pastor Isaiah E. (L), Prof. Osmond O. (R) and other guests
