Your vote is your power, says Patience Jonathan

 First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, on Wednesday urged women to register ahead of the polls in 2015.
She urged them to take advantage of the on going voter registration by INEC and register in their various states in preparation for the general elections.
Dame Jonathan made the call when she received a delegation of the Women Wing of Christian Council of Nigeria (WOWCIIN) led by its President, Rev. Omotsola Williams, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The members of the council were in the Villa to intimate the first lady of its Convention 2014 with the theme: “Loosed for Exploits’’, scheduled to hold in October.
She advised them to keep their voter card safe after registration and not trade it in exchange for anything or with anyone stressing, “your vote is your power.’’
The first lady, who commended the group for successfully electing its foundation executive, urged them to rededicate themselves to national service and development.
“You have been called to serve; as such, you must see this as an opportunity to work in the vineyard of the Lord and impact positively on humanity.”
She said the theme of the convention was not only timely but encouraging `at this time of our national challenge. ‘
Quoting profusely from the Holy Bible, Dame Jonathan expressed the belief that God’s will would be done at the historic convention with great impact on the lives of the women.
“It will make them to be alive to their responsibilities as Christian mothers and agents of peace and development in Nigeria’’, she said.
She also urged them to pray for peace in the country and the Chibok girls abducted by insurgent groups in the North-East.
“While sharing the pains of the mothers whose children were abducted, we should not fail to call on God for their safe release through fasting and prayers.
“While also praying, we should also remember our soldiers who are on the fire line in the efforts to bring lasting peace to the North- East of Nigeria.
They are our husbands, sons and brothers,’’ Dame Jonathan said.
Earlier, Williams commended the first lady for her contributions to the uplift and empowerment of women and youths.
“We must say that your inspiration to establish the Women for Change Programme is a divine intervention.
“You chose a good path and we give God the glory for your life’’, she said.
Williams said the council, whose members were drawn from 12 orthodox denominations in the country, was established in 2012.
She pledged the council’s support to the first lady’s peace campaign and other initiatives.
Dame Jonathan also received members of the National Youth Wing of the Ohaneze, Ndigbo led by its President, Mr Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
She urged them not to allow themselves to be used by politicians for violent acts and not to indulge in criminal acts such as kidnapping.
Dame Jonathan also urged them to register in their various states to enable them to exercise their right to vote.
The highlight of the visit was the conferment of title: “Osodieme’’ on Dame Jonathan. (NAN)