West Africa Commemorates the 182nd Anniversary of the Relief Society

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On 16-17 March 2024, the sisters of the Africa West Area celebrated the 182nd Anniversary of the Relief Society Organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They celebrated in a uniquely African way, through humanitarian service projects and by focusing on the traditional African values held by the Relief Society sisters throughout West Africa.

Sisters in Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Gambia, and Mali honored those who had so diligently served and contributed to the growth of the Church in West Africa. In November of 1978, the first Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in West Africa. On that day Sister Fidelia Obinna was set apart as the first Relief Society President in West Africa. Over the course of the following 45 years the Relief Society has flourished in the countries that comprise the Africa West Area of the Church.

Sisters in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, donated to the Holy Trinity Orphanage at Obeama in Oyigbo.  Donations to orphanages were also made in Koforidua, Ghana, and by the Bo North Stake Relief Society sisters in Sierra Leone.   A local hospital in Akampka Nigeria received a donation from the Akmpfa Nigeria Stake sisters.

A parade was held in the streets of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire led by the sisters of the Abidjan Dukui Stake, and the Teshie 2nd Ward of the Teshie Ghana Stake reenacted the pioneer trek from Nauvoo, taking time to honor the work, resilience, and faith of sisters throughout the history of the Church.

The sister showed solidarity in their unique dress, some with dress material that included the Relief Society emblem.  It underscored the dedication, love, and unity of the sisters of Africa.