By Rachael Oke
Christ Apostolic Church Men Association (CACMA), Oke Ibukun Oke Ado District Coordinating Council (DCC), has held its first-ever seminar on domestic violence, with a call for couples to seek healthy and Godly solutions to challenges in marriage.
The programme, themed “Domestic Violence: Causes, Effects & Solutions,” provided an avenue for couples and members to discuss sensitive issues affecting the home and explore practical ways of preventing and addressing domestic violence.
In his opening address, the DCC Superintendent, Pastor Paul Sodeke observed that many people in marriages today were enduring rather than enjoying their relationships.
He noted that although Scripture encourages couples to remain committed to their marriages, this should not translate into continually counting losses or reaching a point where either partner wishes death upon the other.
He stressed the need for couples to deliberately seek ways to make their marriages enjoyable, adding that seminars of such nature create opportunities for couples to ask important and sensitive questions, particularly on issues concerning the home.
Speaking during the seminar, the Regional Superintendent of Orogun Region, Pastor E.S. Famuyide, described marriage as a “place of no return,” explaining that the marriage certificate is issued on the wedding day, unlike academic certificates which are awarded at the completion of a course.
Pastor Famuyide identified incompatibility, poverty, delayed childbirth or barrenness, lack of communication and diminishing love as some of the factors that could contribute to domestic violence.
He advised intending couples not to be driven solely by age when considering marriage, but to marry when they have attained a level of achievement and preparedness.
On delayed childbirth, he noted that biological parenthood and having children who genuinely remain connected to and care for their parents are not necessarily the same.
He then stressed the need for couples to maintain their relationship despite such challenges.
He also emphasised the importance of communication and the continuous nurturing of love in marriage.
According to him, love in the home must be “serviced” through caring, respect and intimacy.
Addressing the issue of mental violence, Pastor Famuyide noted that domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse, as persistent emotional or psychological distress inflicted by one partner on the other could also constitute violence.
As a remedy, he urged couples to invite Jesus into their homes, drawing from the account of the wedding at Cana in John 2:1.
He explained that material and emotional resources in a home, such as money and joy, could become exhausted, but the presence of Jesus provides a foundation for navigating challenges.
He identified death as one of the devastating effects of domestic violence and encouraged those facing challenges in their homes to pray, seek Godly counsel rather than bottle up their problems, and seek Christ for help.
The programme also featured a question-and-answer session, during which participants raised issues relating to marriage and family life.
The DCC CACMA Coordinator, Pastor Michael Tegbe also responded to questions concerning health, further broadening the discussion beyond the immediate subject of domestic violence.
The programme also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals who have played significant roles in the growth and development of CACMA in the DCC.
The seminar marked a significant milestone for CACMA Oke Ibukun Oke Ado DCC as its first programme of its kind, creating a platform for members to openly engage with issues that affect marriages, families and the wider Christian community.
