Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has emphasised that Nigeria needs leaders who fear God in order to achieve meaningful progress and national development.

He made this statement when he received the World President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler, alongside his family and other church leaders at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

The Governor used the opportunity to commend the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its strong contributions to education in Nigeria, noting that the church has been actively involved in grooming future leaders through its educational institutions, including two universities operating in the country.

According to him, religion should not only be about worship or defending faith, but should also focus on positively impacting society through education, leadership development, and community service.

Fubara stressed that the absence of God-fearing leadership in positions of authority has contributed to several national challenges such as corruption, insecurity, poverty, and social inequality.

He argued that when leaders have respect for God and moral accountability, there are limits to how far they can go in wrongdoing, which helps strengthen governance and public trust.

The Governor also highlighted the importance of economic and social structures that allow citizens access to quality education, healthcare, and improved living standards, saying this would reduce crime and social unrest.

In his remarks, the visiting church leader, Pastor Erton Kohler, said he was in Nigeria for a global church conference aimed at empowering ministers for better service delivery.He also appreciated the warm reception and noted the church’s wide global presence.The visit ended with mutual appreciation and a commitment to continued collaboration in education and community development.