By Adesina Wahab

Women have been urged to pursue knowledge, embrace purposeful leadership and remain steadfast in the face of life’s challenges in order to make meaningful contributions to their families, society and national development.

The charge was given by the Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, during the 2026 All Women Summit held at Victory City, Abeokuta, where he said the world is in dire need of leaders who possess integrity, humility, patience and the fear of God.

According to him, “If there is anything the world is looking for today, it is true leaders to improve the lot of humanity,” adding that leadership is beyond titles and positions and should be driven by service, responsibility and sacrifice.

The cleric lamented that many of the nation’s challenges stem from placing unprepared people in positions of authority, stressing that “leadership is beyond position,” while warning that “leadership often looks like a curse because no matter what you do, people will still criticise you.”

Drawing lessons from Isaiah 48:10-13, Apostle Achudume said God refines those He calls to leadership through seasons of trials and sacrifice, noting that every genuine leader must be willing to leave his or her comfort zone in fulfilment of divine purpose.

Addressing women, he said they should not be discouraged by the burdens of raising children, supporting their spouses and contributing to society, assuring them that God’s presence remains constant through every challenge.

“As a woman, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities of motherhood, marriage and service, but God will never abandon you. Just as the three Hebrew men were thrown into the fiery furnace and a fourth man appeared with them, God’s presence will always be with those who remain faithful to Him,” he said.

He further stated that there are experiences God allows people to go through because of the assignments He has committed into their hands, urging participants to identify His presence in every situation, even when those around them do not understand what they are passing through.

Apostle Achudume said God raises men and women who have paid the price through humility, patience, commitment, patriotism and the fear of the Lord, adding that “Leadership is beyond desire; can you pay the price?”

Corroborating Apostle Lawrence Achudume’s message on purposeful leadership and service, guest minister, Apostle (Dr.) Ngozi Okwok, paid glowing tribute to the late Reverend Fola Achudume, founder of the annual All Women Summit, describing the late cleric as a woman of unwavering faith, uncommon sacrifice and an unrelenting passion for raising women of purpose whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Apostle (Dr.) Okwok also urged participants to preserve and build on Reverend Achudume’s enduring legacy by embracing knowledge and personal development, stressing that ignorance is never an excuse. She maintained that, irrespective of their social, economic, educational or religious backgrounds, women must continually strive for excellence, pursue lifelong learning and shine as lights in their homes, careers, communities and every sphere of influence.

The annual summit, themed “Shine,” is the vision of the late Reverend Fola Achudume and is sustained through Royal Ladies International as a platform for raising spiritually sound, purpose-driven and transformational women.

One of the highlights of the event was the “Shop for Free” outreach, during which many women, particularly the less privileged, received household items, clothing materials, shoes and other essential commodities free of charge, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to compassion, empowerment and practical support for women.