Bishop Dunia to Women: Be Decisive, Defend Human Dignity and Build a Better Society

By Praise Chinecherem

Women have been challenged to take decisive actions and live lives they will be proud of in the future, as the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, urged them to become stronger guardians of human dignity, peace and responsible family values.

Bishop Dunia gave the charge during the annual Provincial Conference of the Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, Benin Province (CWONBEP), held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Afasho/Afowa Uzairue, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Delivering the homily during the Pontifical Holy Mass that marked the opening of the conference, the Bishop reflected on the biblical story of the prodigal son, drawing attention to the reaction of the elder brother who became angry after their father welcomed back his repentant sibling.

He said the attitude of the elder son could be compared to leaders and individuals who expect immediate recognition or rewards for services rendered to humanity.

According to him, God, who sees the hearts of all people, knows the true motives behind every action and will reward everyone accordingly.

Speaking on the critical role of mothers in the family, the Church and society, Bishop Dunia said women occupy a strategic position in shaping the future through the upbringing of children.

“The mother knows, nurtures, guides and trains the child from the cradle to become a useful member of society, no matter the material resources available,” he said.

The Bishop therefore challenged women to use their influence and positions responsibly by making decisions capable of promoting peace, dignity and a better society.

He urged them to live purposeful lives that would leave them with pride and fulfilment in the years ahead.

Welcoming participants to the conference, the Provincial President of the Catholic Women Organisation, Benin Province, Dr. Lady Perekebina Berezi, described the theme of the 2026 assembly, “Magnifica Humanitas: Women as Guardians of Dignity and Peace,” as timely, particularly in view of Nigeria’s prevailing security challenges.

She said the theme also draws attention to the greatness and sacredness of humanity, created in the image and likeness of God.

In his keynote address, the Chancellor of Auchi Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Sylvester Attashie, charged women to remain vigilant and protect their children from all forms of danger.

“A woman of dignity is a woman of peace,” Fr. Attashie said, stressing the need for mothers to provide moral guidance and protection for their children.

The four-day conference, hosted by the Auchi Diocese, attracted more than 3,000 women from the six dioceses that make up the Benin Province. The dioceses include the Archdiocese of Benin and the Dioceses of Warri, Issele-Uku, Bomadi, Auchi and Uromi.

The event featured award presentations to men and women who have distinguished themselves in various fields, as well as the Annual General Assembly, during which each Diocesan President presented her annual report.

Other highlights included a Rosary procession and a gala night, where prizes were presented to winners of the singing and quiz competitions.

Auchi Diocese emerged first in the singing competition, followed by Uromi Diocese in second place and Warri Diocese in third.

In the quiz competition, the Benin Archdiocese took first position, Issele-Uku Diocese came second, while Bomadi Diocese finished third.

The conference ended with a renewed call on Catholic women to take greater responsibility in promoting peace, protecting human dignity and raising a generation capable of building a more just and peaceful society.