By Katherine Abayomi
Port Harcourt played host to what many described as the largest gathering of women in Nigeria this year, as thousands filled the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre for the 2025 edition of Women Converge. The non-interdenominational event, organised by Rivers Women Unite for SIM (RWUS), brought together women from different backgrounds and faiths in a display of unity, purpose and shared conviction.
Dressed elegantly in white, participants trooped into the venue for the programme themed “The Woman in an Evolving World: Persevering in Praise and Prayer with Thanksgiving.”
In her address, the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, praised the resilience and unwavering spirit of Nigerian women. She described women as pacesetters who continue to set high standards in business, agriculture, public service, politics and other sectors.
“Women have always been pacesetters. Our determination to adapt and excel remains evident, even in a rapidly evolving world. Despite the pressures of home and the realities of the economy, our faith in God and our drive for excellence continue to guide us,” she said.
Lady Fubara encouraged women to remain steadfast in prayer and urged men to also intercede for the state and the country. She expressed gratitude to RWUS for their support during challenging moments faced by her family.
Delivering a goodwill message, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo commended Rivers women for their prayers, which he said have contributed to the peace and progress the state enjoys today.
He endorsed the vision of RWUS and suggested that future editions of the gathering should include men to strengthen collective development.
The event featured songs of praise, prayers and thanksgiving, creating an atmosphere many described as electrifying. Organisers and participants hailed the convergence as a major success and said it sets the tone for stronger engagements in the future.
Women from across Rivers State and beyond attended the programme, united in their commitment to inspire change, strengthen families and contribute to societal growth.
