By Henry Agbu, Jalingo

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has urged the Christian community to remain the moral and spiritual conscience of society by providing guidance and speaking truth to those in authority amid growing social, economic and security challenges.

Governor Kefas made the call while attending the ongoing Ministers’ Conference organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, at the CAN Secretariat in Jalingo.

The conference, themed “The Church and the State: Partners in God’s Plan in a Changing World,” brought together Christian ministers and leaders to deliberate on the role of the Church in addressing contemporary challenges and strengthening society.

The Governor commended the leadership of Taraba CAN for providing a platform for ministers across the state to reflect on emerging challenges and their responsibilities to God and society.

He described the theme of the conference as timely, citing economic hardship, insecurity, moral decadence, drug abuse, social divisions and negative cultural influences as challenges capable of undermining peace and stability.

According to him, while the Church and government have distinct responsibilities, society benefits when both institutions faithfully discharge their roles and collaborate in areas of common interest.

Quoting passages from the Bible, Governor Kefas said government has a responsibility to pursue justice, security and the welfare of citizens, while the Church must uphold truth, compassion, moral discipline and the fear of God.

He urged Christians to emulate the early Church through steadfastness in fellowship, prayer, generosity and care for one another, while also encouraging the Church to continually pray for political leaders.

The Governor challenged religious leaders to have the courage to advise those in authority and remain the moral and spiritual watchdogs of society.

He cautioned against allowing politics, ethnicity and personal ambitions to interfere with the affairs of the Church, stressing that the Church must not become an extension of any political party.

Kefas urged the Church to speak truth to government, distinguish right from wrong and provide constructive guidance without allowing partisan interests to divide ministers of the Gospel.

He also called on religious leaders to use their pulpits to preach against corruption, drug abuse, violence, hatred and injustice, while encouraging young people to pursue success without resorting to criminal or immoral activities.

The Governor assured the gathering that his administration would continue to create an environment where citizens can live peacefully and worship freely, irrespective of religious or sectional affiliations.

He said the government was willing to deepen its partnership with the Church and other religious bodies in areas including the fight against drug abuse, education, peacebuilding and community development.

Kefas highlighted his administration’s efforts in education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, peacebuilding, civil service reforms and agriculture, saying the government was working to place Taraba on a sustainable path to prosperity.

He called on citizens to embrace repentance, forgiveness, peace and unity, stressing that the progress of the state requires the collective responsibility of all.

The Governor pledged to continue governing Taraba with fairness, justice and the fear of God, while protecting citizens’ lives and ensuring freedom of worship.

He further solicited the continued prayers of the Church for his administration, noting that leadership comes with burdens and responsibilities that are not always visible to the public.

Prominent clergy at the conference included Bishop David Abioye, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi and Rev. Dr. Caleb Ahima, among others.