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Concerned about the increasing emotional, economic and spiritual pressures affecting women, renowned pharmacist and Lay Associate of the Society of African Missions (SMA), Dr. Meg Ibru, has called on women to embrace faith, resilience and hope, stressing that every setback can mark the beginning of a new chapter.
Dr. Ibru made the call at the interdenominational “Finding Inner Peace”conference held at the Issyma Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, where she said the initiative was designed to create a platform for women to heal, reflect and rebuild their lives through prayer, meditation and shared experiences.
More than 50 women, including members of a Widows Ministry, attended the conference, which focused on helping participants overcome life’s challenges while strengthening their spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
According to Dr. Ibru, the motivation behind organising women-centred conferences was driven by her passion to provide support and encouragement to women navigating difficult seasons of life.
“Women need a second chance. Sometimes we believe we are finished or that we are not good enough. But as long as you are alive, God is still giving you another opportunity,” she said.
She explained that her involvement as a Lay Associate with the SMA was inspired by the organisation’s commitment to serving vulnerable and marginalised people.
“I became a Lay Associate because the vision of the Society resonates with my own vision — to be a voice for the voiceless, to restore hope, dignity and acceptance to people who feel forgotten,” she said.
Dr. Ibru described the Issyma Centre as a place where Christians from different denominations come together in unity, love and fellowship to seek spiritual direction and encouragement.
She noted that previous editions of the conference addressed issues affecting women, including marriage, family relationships and the importance of creating quiet moments for prayer and personal reflection.
This year’s theme, “Finding Inner Peace,” she said, was inspired by the emotional and financial difficulties confronting many Nigerians.
“We all need moments of calmness. Sometimes, simply becoming quiet before God allows Him to begin a new work in our lives. When women hear the testimonies and experiences of others, they realise they are not alone and that their own situations can also change,” she said.
The conference, initially planned for 25 participants, recorded a higher turnout after members of a Widows Ministry joined the programme. Dr. Ibru described the unexpected increase as a reminder of God’s provision, noting that all participants were catered for despite the additional demands.
The event featured presentations by Very Rev. Father Shola Atolagbe, SMA, Director of Promotions of the Society of African Missions, and Bishop Funsho Awe of the Orthodox Anglican Church.
The speakers encouraged participants to remain committed to their faith, seek God’s peace and maintain hope despite difficult circumstances.
Activities at the conference included guided meditation, Bible reading, prayers and small-group discussions, where women shared personal experiences of pain, loss, recovery and triumph in a confidential and supportive environment.
Participants were also treated to meals and refreshments, creating opportunities for fellowship and deeper connections among attendees.
One of the participants, Christy Emmanuel, founder of the Vibrant Ladies Foundation, described the conference as inspiring and transformative.
She encouraged women facing financial challenges to remain hopeful, seek professional advice, develop saving habits and continue trusting in God.
Christy also advised families to prioritise safety by keeping fire extinguishers and first-aid kits at home, while acquiring basic emergency response skills.
She urged women dealing with physical, spiritual or material losses to surrender their worries to God and seek support from trusted family members, friends and faith communities.
However, shortly after the conference ended, Dr. Ibru experienced a personal challenge that tested the message of inner peace she had shared with participants. She received news that her home had been affected by a fire incident and, at the same time, experienced severe pain that temporarily affected her movement.
Despite the distressing situation, she said she chose not to panic but relied on her faith in God.
“My peace is not dependent on material things. It depends on God. Everything can disappear in a moment, but God’s presence remains constant,” she said.
Although the incident destroyed part of her home and some valuable belongings, Dr. Ibru said the experience further reinforced the central message of the conference that genuine peace is found not in possessions but in a strong relationship with God.
The conference ended with a renewed message for women to replace fear with faith, support one another and see life’s difficulties as opportunities for growth and a new beginning.
