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In Northern Nigeria, Shepherdess Leaders Retreat Ignites Spirit of Support, Service and Sisterhood

Posted on Juin 30 2025

In Northern Nigeria, Shepherdess Leaders Retreat Ignites Spirit of Support, Service and Sisterhood

[Cross section of Pastors in a group photograph with the Shepherdesses at the retreat]
By Ezinwa Alozie, Communication Director, Northern Nigeria Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

On June 13th -14th, 2025, the Leaders of the Shepherdess International of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Northern Nigeria Union Conference (NNUC), converged in Abuja for an impactful two-day leadership retreat under the theme “Holding the Prophet’s Hands,”.
The retreat was attended by the coordinators from Abuja East Nigeria Conference, Kaduna West Nigeria Conference and Plateau-Bauchi Nigeria Conference. Also in attendance were the leaders from Abuja West Nigeria Mission, Kaduna East Nigeria Mission and Savannah Nigeria Mission.

[Cross section the Shepherdesses during a lecture on Hospitality moderated by Shepherdess Hanatu Kwarbai]

[Cross section of the shepherdesses listening with keen attention during lectures at the retreat]

In her welcome remarks, the Union Coordinator, Shepherdess Rahab Ishaya, wife of the NNUC President said the goal was to foster unity, strengthen their support to pastoral ministry and learn practical skills for service.  "We have encountered Jesus afresh. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives have been transformed by what we have learned here. When we return home, our communities and churches will see the difference," she affirmed.
Key topics discussed during the retreat included: Nurturing healthy relationships between shepherdesses and their husbands; Personal hygiene and effective home management; financial management, and record keeping.

[Lecture session on Personal Hygiene and Home Management moderated by Mrs. Ngozi Madaki]

[Lecture Session  on Self-esteem and Personal Development anchored by NNUC President, Pr Istifanus Ishaya]

Other topical issues discussed centered on hospitality as a lifestyle of evangelism, self-esteem, mental health, personal development and spiritual leadership; Health practices that prepare for the end-time crisis and the power of prayer for shepherdess in leadership.
The retreat also emphasized how homes can be transformed into centers of evangelism, reflecting practical, prophetic living in today’s world.
Facilitators: Rahila Magaji, Hanatu Kwarbai, Rahila Musa, Ngozi Madaki, and Dr. Angela Smart offered more than lectures, they shared practical experiences.
Equally delivered lectures as resource persons were Pastors: Istifanus Ishaya, Vealumun Iorkya, Abed Chidawa, Munaji Musa; Mr. Christian Danboyi, and Uzonna Nwangwa.
Pastor Emmanuel Jugbo, Ministerial Secretary of the NNUC, who oversees Shepherdess International activities in Northern Nigeria, had described the retreat as a strategic initiative to unite and empower shepherdess leaders. “This retreat aims to boost their self-esteem, strengthen family life, and equip them to support their husbands effectively. More importantly, they are to replicate what they’ve learned in their local fields, ensuring a ripple effect of growth and transformation across the union,” he stated.

[Lecture session on Relationship between Shepherdesses and their husbands moderated by Shepherdess Rahila Musa]

[Lecture Session on Record Keeping facilitated by Pr Vealumun Iorkya, Executive Secretary NNUC]

Sabbath worship at the retreat witnessed the presence of some of the church leaders in Abuja who not only fellowship with the shepherdesses but also offered special prayers for the women who have chosen to walk beside them for mission, women whose private sacrifices often shape the visible ministry of the Church across Northern Nigeria.
In a thought-provoking sermon by Shepherdess Rahab Ishaya, the women gained insights on what it means to hold the prophet’s hands—to support their husbands not just with actions, but with spirit; not merely in presence, but in purpose.
Shephd. Ishaya challenged the shepherdesses to remain courageous, resilient and supportive, challenging them to embrace healthy lifestyle and cultivate godly relationships that inspire and advance God’s kingdom.

[Pr Abed Chidawa, NNUC  Treasurer giving a lecture on Financial Management during the retreat]

[L-R. Mrs. Ngozi Madaki, Shepherdesses Rahila Magaji and Rahila Musa  facilitators at the retreat]

Among the participants who found renewed purpose was Shepherdess Elizabeth Anana Yakubu of Kaduna East Nigeria Mission. She is quoted as saying: “It has been a spirit-filled retreat. I have gained so much to enrich my spirituality and calling as a pastor’s wife. The session on mental health opened my eyes to how much we must heal ourselves before we can heal others. And the reminder about hospitality as a sacred duty struck a deep chord. We’re told that by welcoming strangers, we may unknowingly welcome angels and through those angels, blessings find their way into our homes. “I pray that God will help us practice all we have learned as we return to our various mission fields", she added.

[Pr Emmanuel Jugbo, NNUC Ministerial Secretary speaking to the shepherdesses at the retreat]

[NNUC Shepherdess International Leaders in a group photograph during the retreat]

It bears saying that in Northern Nigeria, the shepherdesses may not wear the robes of the pulpit, but they carry the fire of revival.  With every act of kindness and sacrifice, they give credence to the fact that the gospel is not just preached, it is lived.