Otti Charges Christian Men to Break Barriers, Lead with Integrity

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has charged Christian men to rise to the responsibilities of leadership by breaking barriers, embracing new opportunities and providing purposeful and godly direction in their families, churches and communities.

Otti gave the charge at the 2026 National Men’s Day/Week celebration of the Men’s Ministries Department of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Shalom Assembly 3/4, Umungasi, Aba, held under the theme, “The New Frontiers: Breaking Barriers.”

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said Christian men had a strategic role to play in providing leadership, stability, mentorship and godly guidance in a rapidly changing society.

He congratulated the men of Shalom Assembly, particularly the fathers, leadership of the Men’s Ministries Department, the Pastor, Aba Central District and the entire congregation, urging them to remain thankful to God for His faithfulness and preservation.

He quoted Psalm 107:1, saying thanksgiving was an expression of gratitude for God’s strength, blessings, achievements and preservation.

He urged the men to lead with integrity, compassion, discipline and the fear of God, while supporting their families and contributing to the development of their communities and the state.

“Let your leadership shine through honesty, sacrifice, service and compassion. May your homes be a haven of peace and unity, and may your lives reflect the values of Christ in every endeavour,” Otti said.

The Governor also commended faith-based organisations for complementing government efforts in spiritual development, education, youth mentorship, family development, welfare support and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.

He assured the church that concerns raised by its leadership would be conveyed to him for consideration.

In his sermon, the President of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, Aba Central District/Shalom Men’s Ministries, Mr. Jonathan Nwosu urged Christian men to confront barriers that could hinder the fulfilment of their God-ordained destinies.

Speaking on “Breaking Barriers into New Frontiers,” with Isaiah 43:18-19 as the key text, the cleric said God was calling believers into new territories, opportunities and greater levels of fruitfulness.

He identified the barriers to new frontiers as the past, fear and small-mindedness, spiritual opposition and lack of preparation.

According to him, such barriers could be overcome through forgiveness, renewal of the mind, faith, prayer and fasting, spiritual preparation, learning, discipline and dependence on God.

The cleric described obedience as a critical key to accessing new frontiers, noting that believers must be prepared to take steps of faith before experiencing divine intervention.

He also identified prayer, the power of the Holy Spirit and the prayer of enlargement as essential tools for breaking barriers and advancing into new territories.

He, however, warned that breakthroughs without character, discipline and adequate preparation could be difficult to sustain, urging the men to develop the capacity required to manage new opportunities.

The cleric further charged the men to give God the glory for their breakthroughs and achievements, stressing that their successes should ultimately point people back to God.

Meanwhile, the Men’s Ministries Department of Shalom Assembly recorded several welfare, mentorship, family support and outreach activities in the year under review.

Presenting the department’s annual report, its Secretary, Comr. Eze C. Nwachukwu, said the ministry strengthened brotherhood and accountability among members through mentorship programmes, family support initiatives, kingdom activities and quarterly breakfast fellowships.

Nwachukwu said the men also provided financial assistance to the church and members in need, while the Men’s Welfare arm extended support to people in hospitals, widows and fatherless persons.

He disclosed that the department organised a mission and outreach programme at the Okigwe Camp of Faith, where participants received teachings on spiritual development, skills acquisition and sharing, family development, financial management and investment.

Other issues addressed during the programme, he said, included breaking family limitations, corporate success, prayer and praise, marriage in old age and maintaining healthy relationships between spouses.

Nwachukwu said the department planned to intensify its activities in kingdom growth, mentorship, family support and fellowship in 2027, if Christ tarries.

He, however, identified the provision of a coaster bus, engagement of more leaders to drive mentorship and other projects, as well as improved attendance at weekday programmes, as some of the challenges confronting the ministry.

The Secretary also announced the passing of some of the church’s fathers, leading the congregation to observe a minute of silence and pray for comfort for the bereaved families.

He expressed appreciation to the General Council leadership of Assemblies of God Nigeria, led by the General Superintendent, Rev. Abel Amadi, Ph.D., as well as the Aba Central District leadership, the District Secretary and Lead Pastor of Shalom Assembly, Rev. Chidiogo Ezennaya, Ph.D., the church board, group chairmen, families and leaders of various departments.

Nwachukwu said the activities and achievements recorded during the year demonstrated God’s faithfulness and highlighted the importance of unity and shared purpose among Christian men.

He stressed that when men stand together in unity and purpose, the Kingdom of God advances.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of a gift to Governor Otti by the Men’s Ministries Department in appreciation of his leadership and support for the church and Christian community.