“When Women Are Silenced, Nations Stand Still”: Dr. Folashade Olukoya Calls for Inclusion, Partnership, and Purpose

A strong message on the role of women in national growth and spiritual balance took centre stage in Lagos on Saturday as Dr. Folashade Olukoya, wife of the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, declared that societies which sideline women are setting themselves up for stagnation and decline. Speaking with conviction and clarity, she described women not as rivals to men but as divinely designed partners whose inclusion is essential for healthy families, institutions, and nations.

Dr. Olukoya made the statement while addressing journalists and participants at the MFM International Headquarters in Lagos during an event organised by the Association of Nigerian Female Organists. The programme, themed “Ladies on the Organ, Her Hymn, Her Organ,” brought together women from different backgrounds united by music, faith, and a shared desire to make meaningful contributions to society through their gifts. Held at the Grace Hall Auditorium, the event combined worship, musical excellence, and thought-provoking reflections on gender roles and purpose.

In her address, Dr. Olukoya urged women to shift their focus from competition with men to purposeful collaboration, stressing that the original design of womanhood is rooted in complementing and strengthening, not struggling for dominance. She explained that from a biblical and social standpoint, women were created to identify gaps and bring balance, wisdom, and nurturing strength where it is most needed. According to her, misunderstanding this role has often led to unnecessary conflict between genders and has slowed progress in many societies.

She warned that when women are denied opportunities to contribute their skills, insight, and leadership, the effects go beyond individual frustration and extend to national development. Dr. Olukoya noted that families suffer when women’s voices are ignored, organisations weaken when female perspectives are excluded, and nations lose momentum when half of their population is underutilised. She described inclusion not as a favour to women but as a strategic necessity for growth and sustainability.

Drawing from spiritual principles, she highlighted what she called the “spiritual uniqueness” of women, explaining that women possess a God-given sensitivity that enables them to perceive needs, nurture potential, and sustain systems over time. She emphasised that these qualities are not signs of weakness but strengths that, when properly harnessed, can transform communities and institutions. She encouraged women to recognise the value of what they carry and to stop diminishing themselves in spaces where their contributions are urgently needed.

Dr. Olukoya also challenged women to boldly express their gifts and occupy spaces where their talents can speak for themselves. She noted that too many women shrink back due to fear, cultural conditioning, or lack of support, even when they are highly capable. According to her, confidence rooted in purpose is key, and women must learn to step forward with the assurance that their abilities are intentional and necessary. She urged them to embrace excellence, discipline, and spiritual grounding as they pursue their callings.

The event itself served as a practical demonstration of her message, as female organists took turns showcasing remarkable musical skill and artistic depth. Their performances underscored the often-overlooked contributions of women in church music and worship, highlighting how dedication and training can elevate spiritual experiences. The atmosphere in the auditorium reflected celebration, affirmation, and renewed confidence among participants.

Dr. Olukoya expressed heartfelt gratitude to her husband, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, for his consistent support of her vision and for creating an environment within the church where women are encouraged to grow and lead within godly principles. She acknowledged that support from men in leadership plays a crucial role in empowering women and fostering healthy partnerships rather than rivalry. Her remarks were met with applause from attendees who viewed her appreciation as a model of mutual respect and shared purpose.

In his remarks, the General Overseer of MFM reaffirmed the church’s commitment to empowering women and promoting excellence, particularly in the area of music ministry. Dr. Daniel Olukoya stressed the importance of clean, holy music that uplifts the spirit and aligns with the values of faith, noting that music plays a powerful role in shaping minds and atmospheres. He commended the female organists for their dedication and encouraged them to continue refining their craft while maintaining spiritual discipline.

The gathering attracted religious leaders, musicians, and observers who described the event as both inspiring and timely, especially amid ongoing global conversations about gender inclusion and equity. Many participants noted that Dr. Folashade Olukoya’s message struck a balance between empowerment and cooperation, offering a perspective that values strength without promoting conflict. Her emphasis on partnership resonated with attendees who believe that sustainable progress comes from unity rather than division.

As the programme drew to a close, the hall was filled with music, applause, and a renewed sense of purpose among the women present. The performances and speeches left a lasting impression, reinforcing the idea that when women are encouraged, equipped, and included, the benefits ripple outward to families, churches, and nations at large. Dr. Olukoya’s declaration that nations stagnate when women are excluded echoed long after the final note was played, serving as a reminder that progress is fastest when everyone is allowed to contribute fully.

In a society still grappling with questions of gender roles and opportunity, the message from Lagos was clear and uncompromising: women are not an afterthought, nor are they competitors to be restrained. They are essential partners, designed with purpose, and when their voices are heard and their gifts embraced, nations move forward instead of standing still.