Faith Women Fellowship Marks 40 Years as Lydia Idoko Urges Politicians to Lead with Sincerity and Compassion

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Faith Women Fellowship Ministry has celebrated its 40th anniversary, returning thanks to God for His blessings and faithfulness over the years.

Speaking during the “Night of Praise” held in Makurdi on Friday, the President and Founder of Faith Women Fellowship Ministry, Evangelist Lydia Idoko, called on political leaders to embrace sincerity, maturity and selflessness as the country gradually enters another electioneering season.
Idoko made the appeal during the celebration tagged “Faith Women Fellowship Ministry at 40: A Night of Praise.”
She urged political leaders to look beyond personal interests and focus on addressing the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
According to her, politicians should reflect on their actions, listen to the concerns of the people and work towards improving their living conditions rather than pursuing personal ambitions.
She stressed that the election period should be approached with decorum and a sense of responsibility, noting that experience and wisdom ought to guide political conduct.
“Politicians need to reflect and be sincere to the people. They should approach this electioneering period with maturity and decorum. Experiences of life help us to mature as a people,” she said.
Evangelist Idoko also advised voters to make informed decisions during elections by searching their conscience, distinguishing between right and wrong, and voting according to their convictions.
Reflecting on the ministry’s four decades of existence, she expressed gratitude to God for sustaining her and the Faith Women Fellowship through numerous challenges and triumphs.
She recalled the painful loss of her husband, Justice Alhassan Idoko, who died in 1999, describing the period as one of the most difficult moments of her life.
In her speech titled “We Are a People Helped by God,” Mrs. Idoko said, “At 40, Faith Women Fellowship Ministry completes its wilderness. Forty years is a Biblical marker. For 40 years the scripture is significant. It’s a time of testing, preparation and transition.”
“Forty years of the ministry makes me feel excited and fulfilled. When my husband passed on, it looked as though my world had collapsed, but God in His faithfulness and mercy saw us through,” she added.
The cleric described the 40th anniversary as a significant milestone symbolising divine release, restoration and the manifestation of God’s power.
She noted that the journey had strengthened her character and taught her valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance and dependence on God.
According to her, the experiences gathered over the years have reinforced her belief that ultimate comfort and support come from God rather than human beings.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice John Tsoho, paid glowing tribute to the late Justice Alhassan Idoko, describing him as a man whose influence positively impacted many lives.
Tsoho, who was represented by Justice Fidelis Iortyom of the Benue State Customary Court of Appeal, disclosed that the late jurist played a significant role in his elevation to the High Court Bench.
He commended Evangelist Idoko for her dedication and perseverance in nurturing the ministry over the past four decades, noting that the survival and growth of Faith Women Fellowship remained a testimony to the sustaining grace of God.
Justice Tsoho further praised the ministry’s impact on women and society, saying its 40-year existence reflects a legacy of faith, service and commitment to spiritual growth.
“For 40 years this ministry has been sustained without wearing out. It’s been God’s grace over her,” he said.