Against the backdrop of sexual perversity and immorality prevalent in the society, Young maidens, under the aegis of the VirginsPride Network (VPN), a non-governmental organisation which focuses on morality and purity, has advocated for sexual chastity and abstinence among youths, while condemning fornication and immorality.

The Network, during the weekend, held its 5th annual celebration of purity at the event hall of the Chevron Recreation Centre in Gbagada, Lagos where it celebrated young men and ladies who have chosen to stay chaste and undefiled until their wedding nights. The celebrated young ladies were termed ‘Virgins’, while the honoured young men were termed ‘Nobles’ to appreciate their courage in remaining virgins in the face of numerous sexual temptations.

The young virgins and their parents, expressed joy and satisfaction at the success of the programme and appreciated VPN for celebrating their resolve to stay chaste. The organisers of the programme condemned the prevailing sexual immorality in the society and admitted that the perverseness makes it difficult for youths to stay chaste; hence the need to encourage those who have chosen to take the bold move to stay pure.

The Founder of VirginsPride Network (VPN) Mrs Nkechi Odebiyi

Speaking to CEOAfrica about her motivation for establishing the foundation, the Founder of VPN, Mrs Nkechi Odebiyi revealed that in September 2008, she was commissioned by God to raise virgins who will stay pure and chaste, considering the prevalent immorality in the world. She said “Sexual impurity is one of the sins that God detests the most and that is what the devil is using to distract and destroy the younger ones.

“But God is using this platform and programme to get youths disentangled from the web of immorality that the devil has spun to destroy their future. Many of the young ones we nurture are able to withstand pressures and temptations from out there and they come here to share their testimonies on how they were able to stand firm. So, this network has been of positive impact on the youths and has helped them to value their pride and dignity.”    

Chatting with CEOAfrica at the end of the event, Mrs Eunice Obeveori, one of the organisers of the programme, explained that the concept of virginity is gradually becoming extinct as the present society seems to glamourize immorality and indecency. She said “The Holy Books encourage sexual purity and we base all our teachings on the Bible. It might be difficult and people may mock them as old-fashioned but staying chaste pays off in the long run.”

Advising youths on how to stay chaste, Mrs Obeveori said “First, you have to know what you want to be tomorrow and focus on how to achieve it. You shouldn’t be easily distracted. Secondly, you have to develop yourself by acquiring new skills that will empower you to be financially independent so that you will not be lured by men because of money. If you are financially independent, you will not be enticed by men easily.

Mother of the Day at the event

While commending the efforts of VPN, The Mother of the Day who spoke to CEOAfrica noted that the programme is an uncommon initiative by the organisation which is helping young ones to maintain the African value system of purity in a world with numerous perverse distractions. She encouraged youths to abstain from every immorality and bad influences that will cause them to get defiled.

The Father of the Day at the event, Mr Anthony Okosodo also expressed gratitude at being a part of the ceremony. He noted that the programme is a laudable one which should be expanded to attract the support of the government. “If we can get all the young ladies in Lagos State or even Nigeria at large to be part of this programme, you can imagine what the family value system will be like in the future,” he said.

Father of the Day at the Ceremony, Mr Anthony Okosodo

Mr Okosodo further encouraged the government and civil society organisations to support the vision of restoring decency and good value system into the country. He said “This vision is what the government and ministries should tap into because it is something that can definitely purify the nation and make sure that our value systems are sustained. This is great and should be encouraged by everyone.”

Admonishing the youths about the dangers of immorality, the Father of the Day noted that promiscuity and sexual immorality are against the will of God and are capable of destroying their lives; hence there is a need for the virgins to maintain their chastity and purity. He added that on the long run their purity will be of utmost benefit to them spiritually and physically.

One of the Virgins speaking to CEOAfrica

Also speaking to CEOAfrica, Oluwaseun Odebiyi, the Crowned Queen of VirginsPride expressed joy at being a virgin, adding that VPN has not only encouraged her to stay pure, but it has also given her a sense of self-worth. She noted that as the ambassador of the organisation, she is responsible for upholding the tenets and teaching of the network and be a positive example to other virgins.

She advised youths in Nigeria not be ashamed but to take pride in their virginity as it is a noble and commendable status. She also advised those who must have lost their virginity in one way or the other not to be discouraged, but to restore their pride by staying chaste and pure till they get married.

Oluwaseun Odebiyi the Crowned Queen of VirginsPride at the middle with Mummy and Daddy

Lawal Ololade, another young virgin who spoke to CEOAfrica stated that she feels unique and excited at being celebrated as a virgin. She said “I feel so happy being a virgin because it is a unique status. Being a

virgin is not something to be ashamed of. It is something one should be proud of. So I advise youths out there to shun immorality and stay chaste.”