Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that Nigeria’s progress depends largely on the emergence of God-fearing leaders, insisting that only leaders guided by integrity and the fear of God can steer the country toward sustainable development.
Fubara made the assertion recently while hosting the World President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler, alongside his wife, Andriene Marques Kohler, their daughter, Mariana Marques Kohler, and other church leaders at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The governor praised the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its enduring investment in education, describing the institution as a critical partner in raising responsible and visionary leaders.
He noted that the church’s educational outreach, including the establishment of two universities in Nigeria, reflects a commitment to nation-building beyond religious evangelism.
According to Fubara, religion should not be limited to defending doctrines but should actively contribute to building a morally upright society capable of producing competent leaders.
He argued that Nigeria’s current socio-economic and governance challenges stem largely from the absence of leaders who are guided by the fear of God.
“Our country is where it is today because we lack the fear of God. When people truly fear God, they understand there are limits they cannot cross because they recognise His supremacy.
“But when God is absent from the equation, people exceed those limits, and that has contributed significantly to our present situation,” the governor said.
Fubara maintained that Nigeria requires well-prepared, disciplined and morally grounded individuals in positions of responsibility to reverse the country’s fortunes.
He further linked many of the nation’s social problems, including corruption, poverty, inequality and criminality, to poor leadership and weak social welfare systems.
The governor stressed the need for policies that guarantee access to quality education, affordable healthcare and decent living standards, arguing that economic security would significantly reduce crime and other social vices.
“If workers earn wages that can provide quality healthcare, decent housing after years of service and a secure future for their families, there will be far less incentive for people to engage in criminal activities.
“A sense of security about the future is essential to reducing many of the challenges confronting society,” he said.
Fubara thanked the visiting delegation for their prayers and goodwill towards Rivers State, assuring them of his administration’s continued support for the church’s programmes and developmental initiatives.
Earlier, Pastor Kohler said he was in Nigeria to participate in a major church conference focused on empowering thousands of ministers to strengthen their leadership and service to their communities.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the warm reception accorded the delegation, describing the visit as memorable.
Kohler disclosed that the Seventh-day Adventist Church currently has more than 24 million members and over 182,000 places of worship spread across 212 countries, making it one of the world’s largest Christian denominations.
Credit: Vanguard Newspaper except headline
