NAFAD Hosts 18th Biennial Conference: Strengthening Families Amidst Modern Challenges
Family is the smallest unit of society, and building families with the qualities needed to better society is paramount. This principle forms the foundation for NAFAD’s vision of promoting exemplary family life through transformative programs.
The Nigerian Association for Family Development (NAFAD) held its 18th Biennial Conference on the 28th and 29th of March, 2025, at the Bishop AK Obiefuna Pastoral and Retreat Centre in Okpuno, Awka, Anambra State. Tagged Awka 2025, the conference centered around the theme: “Marriage as a Vocation: Flourishing Despite Modern Challenges.”
The event attracted couples, intending couples, singles, and relationship experts from diverse fields, all exploring practical ways to strengthen marriages and address contemporary relationship challenges.
The conference featured presentations from remarkable speakers, each approaching the theme from the perspective of their fields, with a focus on overcoming modern challenges and inspiring deeper bonds in families.
In her opening address, the Awka Zonal President of NAFAD, Mrs. Zita Chikaobi, highlighted the purpose of the event: engaging participants, sharing ideas, and inspiring positive change within families. She remarked on the pivotal role families play in societal growth and development, and noted that, while there are heartbreaking stories of difficulties within marriages, there are also countless happy homes—something NAFAD aims to promote.
The National President of NAFAD, Mr. Uche Okpala, emphasized during his opening remarks that the conference’s goal is to empower participants with tools and insights to manage the complexities of modern marriage and family life.
Pharmacist Mrs. Antonia Ana Enugu delivered a powerful keynote speech. Accompanied by illustrative assertions, she explained the concept of marriage as a vocation. “Before marriage, individuals are independent, but in marriage, they become interdependent,” she said. Continuing, she elaborated: “A vocation is a personal call—it’s offered freely and must be accepted freely. Recognizing and accepting one’s vocation often happens gradually, through a process of discernment. Marriage requires careful discernment to ensure it is done right and done for life.”
Other speakers addressed pressing topics affecting marriages and families, including the impact of technology in homes, ways to mitigate its negative effects, and approaches to harness its benefits.
In a brief interview, Mrs. Zita Chikaobi reiterated that marriage needs support and guidance to withstand challenges. She explained: “The mission of NAFAD is to promote family unity and stability. We cannot leave families, especially younger ones, alone to face these challenges. This conference is an opportunity to help them navigate modern difficulties.”*
Speaking further, Mrs. Zita advised couples to embrace sacrifice and understanding as key elements of successful marriages. “Conflicts may arise because no two individuals are alike. What works for one couple may not work for another. It is important for couples to study one another and understand what makes each other happy. One major issue in modern marriages is comparison. Planning together with love can solve many problems.”
Pharmacist Mrs. Antonia Ana Enugu reinforced the notion of marriage as a vocation in a separate interview with Odogwu Media Communications:
“Marriage is not just about the desire to wed; it is a calling from God to continue the work of creation. Once married, couples have a duty to ensure the marriage thrives. When husbands and wives live well and care for each other, the family will flourish. Strong families lead to strong nations.”*
NAFAD, the Nigerian Association for Family Development, is an affiliate of the International Federation for Family Development (IFFD), headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
