Nsit Atai Women’s Prayer Summit Marks A Decade Of God’s Faithfulness

Ten years ago, the idea of bringing women together regularly for prayers in Nsit Atai Local Government Area was met with stiff challenges. There was no dedicated venue, attendance was modest, and sustaining the initiative required more than the enthusiasm of its founder.

It demanded faith, sacrifice and the determination of women who believed in the power of collective prayer.

Today, that modest beginning has grown into a decade-long spiritual fellowship, sustained by women whose commitment has kept the vision alive through changing circumstances.

The remarkable journey of the Nsit Atai Women’s Prayer Summit was celebrated on Friday, October 30, 2026, as Christian faithful, political leaders, government functionaries and other dignitaries converged on the Otuekong Raphael Bassey Unity Hall, Odot, for its 10th Anniversary and Thanksgiving Service.

The celebration, themed “The Heart of Gratitude,” with its scriptural anchor in Psalm 103:2, provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey, honour those who made its continuity possible and appreciate the grace that has sustained the initiative since its establishment in 2016.

Related: Nsit Atai Women Gather For Prayer Summit, Receive Empowerment Support

For Dr. Mrs. Dorcas Esset, the progenitor of the Summit and wife of the Member representing Uyo Federal Constituency, the anniversary was a deeply personal moment of thanksgiving.

In a brief but touching reflection, she recalled the difficulties that characterised the early days of the initiative, particularly the opposition to the idea of assembling women regularly for prayers. She acknowledged that the journey was not easy but maintained that God’s grace had sustained the vision through the years.

Beyond celebrating the growth of the Summit, Dr. Esset used the occasion to recognise the women whose commitment prevented the initiative from fading away. She singled out Rev. Noble Paul for her remarkable consistency, personal sacrifices and dedication to ensuring that the monthly prayer meetings continued.

She also acknowledged Mrs. Affiong Attah, wife of the Member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, for taking responsibility for sustaining the initiative when she relocated to Abuja. She equally appreciated the First Lady of Nsit Atai, Mrs. Emem Anthony Nyong, for identifying with the vision and helping to maintain the momentum of the women’s prayer movement.

Reflecting on how far the initiative had come, Dr. Esset recalled that the women had no suitable place to hold their meetings when the Summit began. For her, the transformation over the past decade was a compelling testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Her reflection captured the essence of the anniversary: a vision that began with a few women, endured opposition and uncertainty, and survived because some refused to give up.

The First Lady of Nsit Atai, Mrs. Emem Anthony Nyong, who conducted the Bible reading from Psalm 103:2, also expressed appreciation to the women for their support and participation over the years. She recognised Dr. Dorcas Esset and Mrs. Affiong Attah for their contributions to the continuity of the initiative, while particularly commending Rev. Noble Paul for her consistency and commitment to ensuring that the monthly meetings were held.

The Wife of the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area and Chairperson of the Women Association of Local Government of Nigeria (WALGON), Mrs. Akaninyene Uwemedimo Udo, also commended the leadership of the Nsit Atai Women’s Prayer Summit for sustaining the initiative over the past ten years. She appreciated the women for their consistency, dedication and commitment to keeping the monthly prayer meetings alive.

Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Affiong Amanam, in her goodwill message, appreciated the progenitor of the Summit and the women for their dedication. She encouraged them to maintain their unity and commitment to the spiritual objectives of the initiative.

The anniversary also attracted substantial financial support from leaders of the area, reflecting the recognition and goodwill the Summit has attracted over the years.

The Member representing Uyo Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Elder Mark Esset, PhD, made a donation of ₦6 million, with ₦5 million specifically set aside to empower women who had been part of the initiative from the beginning, while the Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, donated ₦2 million.

The Member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, Hon. Prince Aniefiok Attah; the Chairman of Research and Documentation, ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, Obongunwana Elder Iniobong Obot; and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Rt. Hon. Emem Ibanga, also supported the Summit with ₦500,000 each.

In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Mark Esset commended his wife, Dr. Dorcas Esset, and Mrs. Emem Anthony Nyong for their respective contributions to sustaining the prayer initiative. Reflecting on its ten-year journey, he noted that God’s timing was always the best and encouraged the women not to allow difficult circumstances to weaken their faith, stressing that no situation could prevent anyone from receiving what God had destined for them.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, also praised the leadership of the Summit for maintaining the initiative over the years. She particularly acknowledged Dr. Esset as the visionary behind the movement and appreciated Mrs. Emem Anthony Nyong for identifying with its objectives and contributing to its continued growth.

The Commissioner conveyed a message of solidarity from the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Noble Lady Helen Obareki, who acknowledged the importance of the women’s prayers to peace and stability in Nsit Atai. She encouraged them to remain committed to their spiritual assignment.

The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, and the Member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, Hon. Prince Aniefiok Attah, in their respective goodwill messages, pledged continued support for the Summit, emphasising the importance of prayer, unity and moral values in building a peaceful and progressive society.

Other goodwill messages came from Obongunwana Elder Iniobong Obot, who acknowledged the Summit’s positive influence on families. He said the mighty hand of God had been with the women.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Rt. Hon. Emem Ibanga, represented by Mrs. Ofonime Udoinyang, also conveyed her solidarity, noting the connection between spiritual well-being and the broader welfare of society.

The spiritual charge, delivered by Rev. Christy Blessed, centred on the theme, “The Heart of Gratitude.” She urged the congregation to cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving and remain grateful to God irrespective of life’s circumstances.

The service featured choir ministrations, praise and worship, prayers and intercessions, sharing of gift packages as well as the cutting of the 10th-anniversary cake, marking a decade of fellowship and spiritual growth.

The anniversary was therefore more than a celebration of ten years. It was a moment to acknowledge the faith of the women who kept the vision alive, the sacrifices of those who provided leadership at different stages and the grace that has sustained the Summit since its inception.