Gov Otti Urges Christian Men To Embrace Integrity, Service

…As Shalom Assembly Men’s Fellowship Celebrates Annual Thanksgiving In Aba

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has urged Christian men to embrace integrity, responsibility and service, charging them to become positive forces for change in their families, churches, communities and the wider society.

Governor Otti gave the charge on Sunday through his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, who represented him at the Annual Men’s Fellowship Thanksgiving of Shalom Assembly, Assemblies of God Nigeria, Umungasi, Aba.

The Governor, according to the Deputy Governor, sees the annual thanksgiving as an opportunity for the men to reflect on God’s faithfulness while renewing their commitment to leadership, service and spiritual growth.

Emetu, delivering the Governor’s goodwill message, said men must prepare themselves to take advantage of opportunities rather than merely pray for them.

«“We must not just pray for new chances; we need to equip ourselves with the character, discipline, skills, and capacity to embrace them when they come,” Emetu stated.»

He challenged the men to rise above personal limitations and become more intentional in their leadership, spiritual responsibilities and service to others, stressing that effective leadership must be anchored on integrity, sacrifice, service and compassion.

The Deputy Governor also called on the men to remain prayerful and continue interceding for their families, communities and Abia State, while extending Governor Otti’s greetings and appreciation to the leadership and congregation of Shalom Assembly.

Emetu further described the Church as an important partner in the development of society, noting its contributions to spiritual growth, education, humanitarian services, youth mentorship, family development and peaceful coexistence.

“The Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, sees the Church as a crucial ally in our mission to create a stronger and more responsible community,” he remarked.

He explained that while government could formulate policies and development programmes, building the moral character of citizens requires the collective efforts of families, communities and faith-based institutions.

Earlier, the President of the Aba Central District/Shalom Men’s Ministries, Elder Jonathan Nwosu, said the theme of the celebration was a call for men to move beyond passive participation and take greater responsibility in the affairs and ministries of the Church.

Nwosu identified the “new frontiers” as areas of influence, service, leadership and spiritual authority which, according to him, God is calling men to embrace in 2026 and beyond.

He identified spiritual apathy, inadequate prayer, compromise, narrow mindsets, cultural attitudes and insufficient training and empowerment among the factors limiting men’s effective participation in church activities.

He also encouraged members to actively engage in the various ministries of the Church, including prayer and intercession, evangelism and discipleship, revival and worship, church planting, family development, social welfare, economic empowerment, politics and leadership development, counselling and defending the faith.

Drawing from Isaiah 43:18-19, Nwosu urged the men to let go of past failures, disappointments and limitations and prepare for fresh opportunities and assignments.

In his annual report, the Secretary of the Men’s Ministries Department, Comr. Eze Nwachukwu, said the ministry had recorded increased participation in kingdom activities and stronger fellowship among members during the year under review.

He listed mentorship programmes, family support services, quarterly breakfast meetings, financial assistance, hospital visits and welfare support for widows and fatherless families among the ministry’s activities.

According to him, the men also organised an outreach at the Okigwe Camp of Faith, where attention was given to spiritual growth, skills development, family life, financial management, investment opportunities and emotional and physical wellbeing.

Nwachukwu, however, identified the need for a coaster bus, additional mentorship and project leaders, as well as improved attendance at weekday activities as some of the challenges confronting the ministry.

The thanksgiving also featured a tribute to deceased members and fathers of the Church, with a moment of silence observed in their honour.

Among dignitaries at the event were the Mayor of Aba North LGA, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke; Abia State Market Chairman, Chief Moses Obah; pastors, elders and other invited guests.