Ruth Iwunze is a woman who is passionate about the plight of widows in the society and that was perhaps the idea behind her setting up Tabbitha Foundation some years back. Through this organisation, she had embarked on projects aimed at empowering widows. In this interview with Omolara Akintoye recently, she relates her encounter with the Lord, her ordeal for 17 years as a childless woman before she gave birth to a set of twins last year. Iwunze is also Associate Pastor, Love Base Assembly and she is also into importation of furniture and other house hold items.
The increased rate of divorce in the society has been linked to infertility among couples, what is your take on that?
Childlessness in a marriage should not be a major cause of separation. This is basically because children are a blessing from God and He is the only one that gives children. It is not in the power of the man or woman to give children. So, they should trust the Lord and believe that He is able to do all things. Men particularly should be patient, they are the ones that are always in a hurry when it comes to such issues, and it ought not to be so. I thank God for my husband who was always there for me throughout the period of my childlessness, he encouraged me, any hospital l was going to, and he will go with me. Until I overcame it and God blessed us with twins.
What are your views about the state of the country at the moment?
There is poverty, hunger and high rate of unemployment in the country. A lot of money has been embezzled and the one recovered is not seen. This money should have been used to build industries so as to tackle the high rate of unemployment in the country. There are millions of graduates who are jobless and these are children that parents spent much money to train in the universities, now they are done with their studies and the National Youth Service exercise and there is no employment. Government both at federal and state levels should create jobs for the unemployed. On the other hand, when you look at what is happening in the country, you will see the finger of God. He will surely deliver this country from the hand of the devil. If not for the prayers of the children of God, l does not know where the country would have been today. So we all should continue to pray and l knows God will answer and turn the situation of this country around for good.
Tell us about Tabbitha Foundation
The plight of widows in our society is no longer news. With certain communities still embracing obnoxious traditional and cultural practices such as widowhood rites, women are the worse for it. The implication for many is that on the death of the man, she is left in the cold after properties have been carted away by husband’s relatives and landed property confiscated while children are left confused and with their lives taking a sudden plunge. Fifteen years ago, I got the call of the Lord to do something to alleviate the sufferings of widows.
This, I have pursued vigorously and with passion. For me, the plight of widows was not strange as my mother have taken that familiar, painful and lonely path that all widows and their children walk through. Over the years, so many widows have benefitted from the Foundation.
What do you consider the most challenging issue in your life and ministry?
The word of God said that in all things we should give God the glory. And God is never late in any situation. Also what God did not give you, you do not need such a thing. My childlessness for a period of 17 years was indeed a huge challenge in my life and ministry, but l held unto God because before l got married, l had a revelation. In that revelation, l attended a Holy Ghost service and the G.O of Redeemed Christian Church of God asked those who were looking up to God for children to come out for prayers and l found myself in the midst of women who came out for that prayer. While the prayer lasted in that revelation, the man of God told me that God will bless me with a set of twins.
When l woke up, l narrated what l saw to my mother, but l asked myself does it mean l will stay so long before having children? When l got married and there was no child l remembered the revelation and l was convinced that God will bring it to pass and it eventually came to fulfillment. I am happy and grateful to God who has promised and fulfilled his promise. Today, l am a mother of children, a boy and girl, it was not easy, 17 years is not 17 days, l cry most times asking God when he will remember me especially when l see other believers getting married and giving birth nine months after their wedding. Today, l am marking their fifth birthday, my mouth is filled with joy and gladness and l owe it all to Jesus.
In your own assessment, do you think women are ready to participate effectively in politics in the 2019 general elections?
I think they are ready. I believe in women’s political participation and l am sure they will participate more in the forth coming elections than previous elections. But, at the same time, women should be encouraged to seek for elective positions and those who are not qualified to be voted for should cast their votes on election days. They should endeavour to collect their voter’s card now and vote for appropriate candidates.
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