By Ovat Abeng
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has called for a structured and strategic partnership between the church and the state to drive societal transformation and moral regeneration.
Speaking at the 2026 Church Shift and Holy Spirit Conference held at the International Convention Center in Awka, the Governor emphasized that building a holistic society is a collaborative effort that cannot be achieved by the government alone.
Governor Soludo noted that while the state possesses the authority to enact laws to punish criminals, it lacks the capacity to legislate the transformation of the human heart—a task central to the church’s mandate, underscored the need for a return to fundamental values, arguing that the future of the nation must be guided by the integrity and principles of the past.
Highlighting the dominance of transactional mindsets in modern society, the Governor lamented that many today seek the rewards of faith without the sacrifice of the cross.
Governor Soludo asserted that the state is committed to fostering a partnership with the church to encourage responsible Christianity and challenged pastors to embody the change they preach, urging them to lead the way in regenerating a new, values-driven society.
He further highlighted that his administration’s development model, known as the Public-Private-Community-Partnership (PPCP), relies heavily on this collaborative spirit to maintain security and sustainable development across Anambra State.
Earlier, the convener of the conference, Bishop David Ogbueli, reinforced the Governor’s call by challenging attendees to look beyond the initial experience of salvation, stressed that believers are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, a mission that requires the active restoration of the moral values taught by Jesus.
Bishop Ogbueli articulated the necessity of a divine partnership between the “kings”—those in leadership and governance—and the “priests”—the spiritual leaders and reminded the congregation that the foundational commandment to love God and love one’s neighbor remains the ultimate guide for both spiritual growth and civic responsibility.
The conference attended by several young people, served as a platform for delegates to reflect on how to bridge the gap between biblical principles and the practical demands of nation-building.
