By joshua 
Ebonyi First Lady Receives Presbyterian Church Honorary Award
By Emmanuel Agbo, Abakaliki
The wife of the Ebonyi State Governor Chief (Mrs) Mary Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru has been honored with an award of excellence “Mother in Israel” by central working committee (CWC) women’s guid of presbyterian church of Nigeria.
The award was presented to the first lady during the official flag off of the 2026 National mothering week ceremony held at St. Peter’s cathedral Kpirikpiri in Abakaliki, the State capital.
Receiving the award, the first lady expressed deep gratefulness to the Presbyterian women for the honour bestowed upon her, saying that the recognition touches her heart profoundly. “To be called a Mother in Israel is not merely a title; it is a sacred responsibility. It is a call to nurture, to guide, to pray, to stand in the gap, and to be a source of strength and encouragement to many”
According to her “I warmly welcome our mothers and sisters who have gathered here from across Nigeria for this remarkable and spirit-filled occasion. On behalf of the women of Ebonyi State and on behalf of my dear husband, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Governor of Ebonyi State, I say: You are most welcome to the Salt of the Nation”
“The theme for this year, “Grace Upon Grace”, and the sub-theme for today’s event, “The Woman of Unlimited Grace”, could be more timely and profound”
“As women, we understand the power of grace deeply. Grace sustains us as mothers raising children in challenging times. Grace empowers us as wives, leaders, professionals, and caregivers. Grace steadies us when we are overwhelmed. Grace lifts us when we feel weak”
“The Woman of Unlimited Grace is not defined by perfection, but by dependence on God. She is prayerful in trials, patient in adversity, kind in speech, and steadfast in faith. She carries dignity without pride, strength without harshness, and influence without noise”
“In our society today, women are faced with numerous responsibilities and expectations. Yet, by God’s grace, we continue to rise. We balance family and service. We nurture while we lead. We comfort while we build. That is unlimited grace at work. This Emphasis Week is therefore a call to deepen our relationship with God, the true source of grace. It is a call to allow His grace to transform our homes, our churches, and our nation”
“Here in Ebonyi State, we recognize the critical role women play in societal transformation. When a woman is empowered spiritually and morally, the family is strengthened. When families are strong, communities flourish. And when communities flourish, the nation prospers. And that is why in my Foundation BERWO we have continuously engaged women to ensure they have a better life so that they can help and provide for their families”
“I do not take this honour lightly. I accept it with humility and dedicate it to God Almighty, who is the giver of all grace. I also dedicate it to the women of Ebonyi State and Nigeria, whose resilience and faith continue to inspire me daily. By His grace, I will continue to serve with compassion, fairness, and a mother’s heart toward our people. I sincerely appreciate the leadership and entire body of Presbyterian women for this thoughtful recognition. May God bless and reward your labour of love abundantly”
Mrs Nwifuru who commended the National and Diocesan leadership of the Women’s Guild for their vision and dedication in organizing the significant gathering, bringing women from across the country under one spiritual umbrella, demonstrating unity, sisterhood, and a shared commitment to God’s work, noted that the award would spur her to do more good things for Ebonyi women.
“As we officially flag off this Emphasis Week, I encourage every woman here to embrace the message of grace, to receive it fully and extend it generously. Let us become women whose lives reflect compassion, humility, resilience, and unwavering faith”
“May this week renew our strength. May it deepen our spirituality. May it expand our capacity to serve. And may we truly become women of unlimited grace”
Earlier while presenting the award, the women’s guild national desk coordinator Rev. Dr. Mrs. Uchenna Chigozie hailed Mrs Nwifuru’s unwavering commitment and dedication to improving the lives of women and girls especially the downtrodden in the State.