By Ibironke Ariyo
The Convener of the Excellent and Dignified Woman (TED-Woman), Pastor Busola Lanre-Oke, has challenged women across denominations to rise beyond fear and societal limitations to occupy the mandates God has placed in their hands.
Speaking at the interdenominational women’s gathering themed “Occupy”, on Saturday in Abuja, Pastor Lanre-Oke stressed that women who embraced their divine calling have the power to transform homes, communities, and nations.
Lanre-Oke declared that women were not only called to manage homes but to shape society with the grace and influence God had deposited in them.
She emphasised that women were not only called to nurture families but also to lead, influence, and reform the world around them.
“God has given us mandates to occupy as women. He has called us to occupy our homes, to occupy our families, and to occupy our assignments.
“The strength of a nation often begins with the strength of its women.”
The convener, who doubled as an environmentalist and business woman, cautioned that one of the most neglected areas in a woman’s life is her place of assignment, the very calling God had ordained for her to fulfill.
According to her, many women shrink back due to fear, wrong mindsets, and lack of confidence.
“Do not allow your background to stop you from fulfilling your mission. You must confront your fears, reject limiting ideas, and rediscover who you are in God, “she said.
Pastor Lanre-Oke described occupying as a divine command rather than a suggestion.
She explained that women must first understand where they were called to serve and then engage fully in those spaces.
“Every opportunity is a privilege. Don’t restrict yourself or compare yourself with others. Be happy with what God has placed in your hands, and take responsibility with joy,” she said.
Speaking further, the convener challenged women not to reduce their identity to marital status or titles.
“Whether you are married or not, you have a home and a role. Beyond names and positions, what matters is living out your God-given responsibility,”she added.
Highlighting the unique ability of women to multitask, she described it as a divine advantage that equips women to influence diverse areas of life simultaneously.
She cited examples of women who have risen to occupy globally significant positions, including Pastor Funke Adejumo in ministry, Mrs Ibukun Awosika in business, and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the global economic stage.
“These women are proof that when you understand your mandate and step into it, the world takes notice.
“No woman should ever underestimate her capacity to make a lasting impact,”she emphasised.
Pastor Lanre-Oke urged women to renew their devotion to the Word of God, which she described as the foundation for occupying effectively.
According to her, how much of God’s word do you have in you, and what place does God occupy in your life? Spiritual depth is essential for influence.
“As women, we are nation builders. When we occupy our homes, our pulpits, our boardrooms, and our communities, we secure the future of our society.
“This is God’s mandate for us, and it is time to rise into it with courage and responsibility,”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the TED-Woman programme, which stands for The Excellent and Dignified Woman, has grown into a platform for interdenominational fellowship.
This included mentorship, and empowerment, drawing women from diverse backgrounds to reflect on their roles in family, faith, and nation-building.
This year’s edition further reinforced the message that women are not bystanders but central players in shaping the destiny of the world.
