Nigerian Churches Celebrate Mothering Sunday; First Lady Hails Mothers

Christian faithful across Nigeria converged on various worship centers on Sunday, March 15, 2026, to celebrate Mothering Sunday, a day dedicated to honoring maternal bonds, the influence of mothers in society, and the “Mother Church.“

The celebration, traditionally observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, saw mothers’ unions, women’s guilds, and church choirs taking center stage in a colorful display of gratitude, resilient faith, and cultural heritage.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, joined the nation in honoring mothers, describing them as the “silent architects” of Nigeria’s future.

In a statement released from Abuja on Sunday, she praised the unwavering commitment of women in nurturing families despite the country’s current socio-economic challenges.

“Today, I honor every mother across Nigeria. Your love, care, and sacrifices do not go unnoticed,” the First Lady stated.

“Beyond the big sacrifices, it is the small, quiet moments that truly define a mother’s love. You are the heroes of our nation.”

Similarly, the First Lady of Anambra State, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, characterized motherhood as a “divine responsibility.”

Speaking through her Healthy Living initiative, she urged children to repay their mothers with “love, presence, and prayers,” noting that the value of a mother cannot be measured in material terms.

“Raising Kingdom Families”

In various sermons monitored across the country, the clergy focused on the theme of legacy and spiritual guidance.

At Our Saviour’s Church, TBS, Lagos, the Anglican Diocese of Lagos celebrated under the theme “Raising Kingdom Families.“

Guest preacher Mrs. Atinuke Olashore emphasized that mothers are the primary spiritual gatekeepers of the home.

“In an age of digital pressures and social upheaval, the responsibility of a mother to guide her children with biblical values is more critical than ever,” she noted.

In the Anglican tradition, Mothering Sunday—also known as Refreshing Sunday—marks a mid-Lent break when the rigours of fasting are eased, allowing families to share a “delicious meal” together in honour of the mother church.

While Anglican and some Protestant denominations celebrated on March 15, the Catholic Church in Nigeria has officially shifted its 2026 Mother’s Day celebration to Sunday, April 19, 2026.

A directive from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), signed by the President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, explained that the typical date (the Sunday following the Annunciation) would fall on Palm Sunday this year.

To preserve the solemnity of Holy Week and Easter, the bishops mandated a uniform celebration across all dioceses in April.

A Call for Societal Support

Beyond the songs and flowers, some mothers used the occasion to call for greater societal support. Mrs. Ngozi Eze, a congregant in Enugu, urged the government to implement policies that favor mothers raising children in difficult economic circumstances.

“Being celebrated with gifts is wonderful, but we need a society that makes it easier for us to provide for our children,” she remarked.

The day concluded with special prayers for the peace and unity of Nigeria, with many congregations offering intercessions for mothers in conflict zones and those facing the “bittersweet” nature of loss.

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