Christian women from across the Diocese of Ilesa Anglican Communion have gathered at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Ibokun, for the 2026 Women’s Conference, an event marked by worship, prayer, evangelism and thanksgiving.
Held under the theme, “Behold, the Bridegroom Cometh,” the conference focused on spiritual preparedness, steadfast Christian living and readiness for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The opening service witnessed a colourful reception for the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo F. Asaju, and the President of the Women and Girls Organisation, Barr. (Mrs.) Harriet ‘Seun Dapo-Asaju.
The distinguished guests were welcomed with drums and trumpets, while the Boys’ Brigade added excitement to the occasion with a special display.
The gathering attracted archbishops, bishops and their wives, clergy and clergy wives, traditional rulers, political leaders, women from churches across the Diocese and other distinguished guests from within and outside Ijesaland.
The opening Eucharistic service began with the processional hymn, “E Ho E Yo,” from the I.O.M.
The Vicar of the host church and Archdeacon of Ibokun, Ven. Dr. Amos Ajadi, led the first part of the Holy Communion. Barr. (Mrs.) Dapo-Asaju read the Old Testament lesson, Mrs. Olufunke Fademi, Chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee, read the Psalm, Mrs. Ajadi read the Epistle, while Rev. Nwajiobi read the Gospel.
Bishop Asaju: Keep Your Spiritual Oil Burning
Preaching on the theme, Bishop Asaju welcomed the delegates and congratulated the women, particularly the President of the Women and Girls Organisation, on the successful commencement of the conference.
He also commended the host church and warmly acknowledged the Iya Ijo, Dame Chief Mrs. Deborah Abiye Farayibi.
Drawing from Christ’s parable of the Ten Virgins, the Bishop charged Christians to remain spiritually prepared for the Lord’s return.
He urged the women to keep their spiritual “oil” burning through prayer, sincere Christian living, repentance, regular study of the Scriptures and unwavering trust in God.
Bishop Asaju warned against spiritual complacency and weariness, noting that even when the Bridegroom appears to delay, believers must remain watchful and prepared.
He concluded the message with prayers for the success of the conference and its participants.
The Very Rev. David I. Fadugba led the congregation in the Creed and intercessions, including prayers for the conference, women and children of the Diocese and Nigeria.
The Provost, Very Rev. Akintunde Morakinyo Fademi, celebrated the Holy Communion, after which the Diocesan Bishop pronounced the benediction.
Women Take Prayer to Ibokun Streets
A major feature of the conference was a prayer walk through Ibokun Township, led by Barr. Harriet ‘Seun Dapo-Asaju.
Women from across the Diocese marched through the town, singing, praying and proclaiming messages of faith and evangelism.
The exercise took the conference beyond the church auditorium, giving the women an opportunity to publicly proclaim the Christian message and pray for the community.
Thanksgiving Service Brings Conference to Grand Finale
Following the prayer walk, the women returned in their colourful attire for the thanksgiving service that brought the conference to a joyful conclusion.
The service opened with the processional hymn, “Eyo Ninu Oluwa Eyo,” from the I.O.M.
The Women’s Chaplain, Rev. Canon Agbeniga, led the opening part of the Holy Eucharist. Barr. Dapo-Asaju read the Old Testament lesson, while Dame Chief Prof. Abide Deborah Faraibi led the responsive Psalm. Dr. Mrs. A.A. Adeniji read the Epistle, and Rev. Nwajiobi read the Gospel.
Hymns, including I.O.M. 70 and I.O.M. 52, were also rendered.
In his sermon at the grand finale, the Vicar and Archdeacon of Ibokun Archdeaconry, Ven. Dr. A.A. Ajadi, thanked God for the success of the conference and congratulated Mama Ilesa and the women on the completion of the programme.
He acknowledged the presence of diocesan officials, bishop nominees, traditional rulers, clergy and their spouses, the Provost of the Cathedral Church of St. John, members of the conference planning committee, church workers, youths and children.
He also appreciated St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Ibokun, as well as individuals and groups whose prayers, services and contributions helped make the conference successful.
“Will You Be Ready If Christ Comes Today?”
Reflecting on the biblical imagery of the Bridegroom and the messages to the seven churches in Revelation, Ven. Dr. Ajadi challenged Christians to remain spiritually alert.
He explained that “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh” should be understood not simply as an announcement of Christ’s return, but as a direct call to preparation.
The preacher urged believers to remain faithful during difficult times, hold firmly to their faith and continually examine their lives against the teachings of Christ.
He challenged the worshippers to ask themselves whether they would be ready if Christ returned that very day, before concluding with prayers.
Rev. Canon OreOfe Folarin led the congregation in the Creed and prayers.
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by the Provost of the Cathedral Church of St. John, Iloro, Very Rev. Akintunde Morakinyo Fademi, on behalf of Bishop Asaju, who was outside the country on episcopal duty.
The grand finale also featured a special presentation by the Women’s Organisation, performances by church choirs and the participation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Festus Kayode Adegboro, the Alademure of Ibokun.
The thanksgiving session featured contributions from young clergy wives, the Oni of Ibokun and representatives of archdeaconries across the Diocese.
The participating archdeaconries included Oke-Ooye, Cappa, Bolorunduro, Iganigan, Erin-Ijesa, Imo, Iperindo, Ibokun, Isona, Ifewara and the Cathedral Church of St. John, Iloro.
With joyful dancing, songs and praises, the women and other worshippers gave thanks to God, bringing the 2026 Diocese of Ilesa Women’s Conference to a glorious close.
The conference ended on a strong message of spiritual vigilance, with the women renewed in their commitment to prayer, evangelism, faithful Christian living and readiness for the coming of the Bridegroom.
Source: Ilesa Diocese Anglican Communion Facebook Page
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