Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rives States has declared that Nigeria’s path to lasting development depends on leaders who are guided by the fear of God, stressing that integrity, compassion and accountability are essential for building a better nation.
The governor made the remarks on Thursday while receiving 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 senior church leaders at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Fubara praised the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its long-standing investment in education, describing the church as one of the country’s key partners in shaping responsible and future-ready leaders.
He noted that beyond spreading the Christian faith, the church has consistently used its educational institutions to nurture discipline, character and excellence, pointing out that it currently operates two universities in Nigeria.
According to the governor, education should not only produce graduates but also raise individuals with strong moral values who can provide honest leadership and contribute positively to society.
He lamented that many of Nigeria’s current challenges stem from a lack of godly values among those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“Our nation needs leaders who recognise the supremacy of God and understand that there are moral boundaries that should never be crossed.
”When the fear of God is absent, corruption, injustice and abuse of power become inevitable,” he said.
Fubara argued that placing competent, well-trained and morally upright people in positions of authority would not only transform Nigeria but also contribute to global peace and development.
The governor also linked several social problems—including poverty, corruption, inequality and rising crime—to weak leadership and the absence of ethical governance.
He maintained that every Nigerian deserves access to affordable quality education, reliable healthcare and opportunities for decent employment.
He said a society where workers earn wages capable of providing basic needs, own decent homes after years of service and enjoy economic security would naturally experience lower crime rates and greater social stability.
“If citizens can educate their children, access quality healthcare and look forward to a secure future after years of hard work, many of the frustrations that fuel criminal activities will disappear,” he added.
Fubara thanked the visiting church leaders for their prayers and continued support for Rivers State, assuring them that his administration would continue to partner with faith-based organisations in programmes that promote peace, education and human development.
Speaking earlier, Pastor Erton Kohler explained that his visit to Nigeria was part of activities marking a major church conference, where thousands of Seventh-day Adventist ministers are participating in leadership and empowerment training designed to strengthen their service to both the church and society.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation, describing the reception as unforgettable.
Kohler also revealed that the Seventh-day Adventist Church has more than 24 million members, over 182,000 places of worship, and maintains a presence in 212 countries, making it one of the world’s largest Christian denominations.
