By Elizabeth Elemi
Women in Delta State on Monday gathered in prayer against cultism, drug abuse, immorality and other social vices during the 19th edition of the Mothers Arise Prayer Conference.
The prayer conference, hosted by the Wife of the Governor of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, was held on February 2, 2026, at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, with the theme “Not So”, drawn from Luke 1:60, and focused on the role of mothers in spiritual intercession, family stability and societal transformation.
Speaking at the event, Deaconess Oborevwori urged women across the state to rise from spiritual slumber and take responsibility for the protection of their homes, children and the state through prayers
She described the gathering as a divinely appointed day, noting that February 2 of every year has been set aside as a covenant day of prayer for Delta women.
“This year’s theme, Not So, is a wake-up call for us as mothers to stand our ground, just as Elizabeth did during the naming of John the Baptist. If she had kept quiet, destiny would have been truncated,” she said.
Declaring firm resistance to negative patterns, the First Lady charged women to say “Not so” to every form of evil, including cultism, drug abuse, immorality and attacks against Delta State.
“As mothers, we must give no place to the devil. Our mouths are not for negative confessions but for decrees. Take your place, put a stop to that evil and God will honour your words,” she stated.
She further called on women to intercede fervently for their husbands, children, the less privileged and the vulnerable in society, stressing that prayer remains a powerful defence for families and communities.
The First Lady also appealed to women to continue praying for the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, expressing confidence that the MORE Agenda would continue to bring positive development across the state.
“Delta State is the finger of God, and Delta State is a praying state. With prayers, more projects will spring up across the state,” she said.
She concluded by encouraging women to remain active stakeholders in governance and to obtain their voter’s cards, describing it as their power and voice.
Earlier, the guest speaker and Founder of Christ Like Ministry Centre, Rev. Fanny Ekpekurede, described the conference as a clarion call for mothers to return to the altar of prayer.
According to her, “If there is a woman to pray, there is a God to answer,” urging women to reject laziness, spiritual nonchalance and negative speech over their children.
She encouraged mothers to surround themselves with prayerful people, observe fasting, and protect their homes on their knees.
The event was graced by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Catherine Onyeme, wives of former governors, including Deaconess Dame Edith Okowa and Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, female political office holders, wives of government functionaries, Christian bodies and various women groups across the state.
Activities at the conference included praise and worship, intercessory prayers for families, the Governor, the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary arms of government, youths and Delta State, as well as a guest ministration by Efe Tobore.