Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has admonished Christians to rise as agents of positive change, stressing that the church must play its role in shaping society through moral leadership and civic responsibility.

Speaking at the Christian Citizenship Summit in Aba, Otti, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Reverend K.C. Wiper said Christians have a biblical mandate to serve as salt and light in the world. Quoting Matthew 5:13 and Revelation 5:10, he urged believers to sustain the transformation underway in Abia State and extend it across Nigeria, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections.

The summit, themed “The Role of the Church in Society: The Nigerian Perspective,” was convened by Christian Citizenship International in partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abia State Chapter, and the Diaspora Alliance.

It gathered church leaders, public officials, civic influencers, and youth reformers to discuss the civic and moral role of Christians in nation-building.

Convener of the summit, Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, described Otti as a servant leader committed to the welfare of the people, noting that the governor represents a model of leadership rooted in integrity and faith.

He traced the vision of Christian Citizenship International to 1996, saying it was founded to awaken the church to its civic responsibility and its role as the conscience of the nation.

“Our purpose is to share knowledge of earthly and heavenly citizenship, helping Christians reclaim culture through biblical principles,” Ihim said.

Delivering a lecture titled “The Cost of Inaction: Awaken the Church, Redeem the Nation,” Ihim challenged Christians to confront corruption, injustice, and moral decline with courage.

“History shows how societies collapse when the church retreats from its duty. Neutrality is not an option. Silence is complicity. The time for passive Christianity is over,” he charged.

The Abia State Chairman of CAN, Reverend Ojo Ojo Uduma, described the summit as an awakening moment for Nigerian Christians.

Also addressing participants, the Anglican Archbishop of Aba, The Most Rev. Isaac Chijioke Nwaobia, admitted that the church must do more to live up to its divine mandate and guide the faithful with renewed commitment and integrity.

His remarks carried both humility and conviction, setting the tone for collective repentance and action within the body of Christ.

“The core motive of the summit, themed ‘The Role of the Church in Society – The Nigerian Perspective’, would be widely and evenly disseminated for maximum impact”, he assured.

The cleric emphasized that the summit was not just a gathering of words, but a movement designed to awaken the church to its civic, moral, and spiritual responsibilities in shaping society.

“Christians must participate in political leadership, empower the next generation, defend the sanctity of life and family, and intensify prayer for national transformation”, Nwaobia admonished.