Fides Media Living the Faith
By Ifeoma Ezenyilimba
The Mary League Girls’ Association (MLGA), Awka Diocese, has empowered her members with wig making, confectioneries and cosmetology skills, at the end of the association’s maiden seminar and skill acquisition, with the theme: ”Self Realisation and Development”.
The 4-Day seminar cum skill acquisition which was held at Archbishop A.K. Obiefuna Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Centre, Okpuno (ABAKORPACCO), Awka South LGA, Anambra State, from August 19-22, had members of the association from the thirteen deaneries in Awka Diocese in attendance.
In her remarks, the President, Mary League Girls’ Association, Awka Diocese, Miss Chidimma Ejidike, noted that the event was part of the programmes of the association to equip her members with necessary skills to enable them to be self-reliant and develop themselves for the better. She commended the Principal Chaplain of MLGA, Awka Diocese, Rev Fr Paschal Udo, and the Deputy Chaplain, Rev Fr Aloysius Njepu, for their support to the association.
For his part, the Chief Chaplain, Rev Fr Udo, who was part of the seminar, extolled the Organising Committee led by the Vice President of the association, Miss Chinaza Assumpta Okoye, and the resource persons, for their sacrifices, which, he said, contributed to the success of the event. This was even as he lauded the members for their active participation and urged them to put the skills they learnt into good use to excel in future.
Fides gathered that the participants were trained in bakery, as well as making of air freshener and car wash, among others.
Earlier in her lecture titled: ”Cleanliness”, Pharmacist Vivian Ikeuwakwe of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Teaching Hospital, Awka, advised the girls on proper and regular taking of their baths, proper disposal of used sanitary pads, regular and proper cleaning of their teeth, regular washing of their clothes and cleaning of their foot wear, as well as regular use of deodorants and body sprays, for optimum cleanliness. She encouraged them to dress neatly and properly and wear shoes to enhance their looks.
Pointing out that toothpaste and toothbrush were some of the causes of dental decay, the health practitioner, who stressed the importance of dental hygiene, urged all to find out and use only the best toothpaste that worked for them, sterilize their toothbrushes with hot, salty water and change their tooth brushes, at most, every three months. She also advised all to rinse their mouth with either oral disinfectant or mentholated sweets and chewing gums after eating, especially after eating soups made with ogiri.
While noting that personal hygiene had spiritual dimension, Pharmacist Ikeuwakwe, who cited the books of Isaiah 1: 16, Psalm 51:10, 7, I John 1:9, 2 Corinthians 7: 1, Leviticus 19:28, Ezekiel 36:21 and Matthew 23:26, 5:8, tasked all on spiritual cleanliness. She urged all to purify their hearts, live in communion with God and allow God to take absolute control of their situations and difficulties.
Another resource person, Rev Sr Stella Chukwuka, USOA, of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, speaking on the topic: ”Youths in Relationship, Christian Dating and Courtship”, advised the girls against giving in to wrong courtship, which, she said, led to failed marriages.
On what to note and do while dating, Sr Chukwuka urged those planning to get married to get themselves suitable partners, have a conviction that they needed companions in life, make adequate enquiries about their partners, find out about their background, observe the actions of their partners in various circumstances and have interest in each other.
She stressed the need for both partners to plan their marriage together, as well as for the woman to master her menstrual cycle with her man to ensure a fruitful and successful marriage.
In their various speeches at the event, the Organising Secretary of Young Progressive Party (YPP), Anambra State, Comrade Emma Ezeokafor, and a former Chairman of Anaocha LGA, Hon Ikeobi Ejiofor, KSJI, described the skill acquisition training organized by the association for her members as worthwhile, noting that vocational skill aided human and societal development.
Comrade Ezeokafor, who also conveyed the goodwill of the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial Zone, Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, to the association, stated that such skills would keep the young female youths away from vices, vote buying and bad influences. He advised all against selling their conscience, come the November 6, 2021 Anambra State Governorship Election.
The seminar also featured a general council meeting of the association, as well as quiz and itu ilu (proverbs) competitions.