Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said that fasting, prayers and sermons alone cannot bring meaningful societal transformation unless citizens, particularly members of faith-based institutions, actively participate in politics and governance.

Speaking on Saturday while delivering a keynote address titled “The Role of the Church in Societal Transformation” at the Transforming Church International, Abuja, during its ADVANCE Workers, Pastors and Leaders Conference, Otti urged religious leaders to take a more active role in shaping Nigeria’s political direction.

He said lasting change would only be possible when people of faith deliberately engage in the political process that produces leaders and policies that govern society.

“No amount of sermonising, fasting, prayers, casting and binding will change society if we fail to participate in the political process that produces leaders,” the governor declared.

Otti stressed that faith must be backed by action, adding that God has already empowered individuals to take responsibility for societal outcomes rather than remain passive.

According to him, meaningful influence on governance is only achievable when citizens register with political parties, participate actively in elections and ensure that their votes count.

“It is easier to influence government policies when you are part of the system. This requires registering with political parties, participating in elections and ensuring that votes count,” he said.

The governor lamented that the perception of politics as a “dirty game” has discouraged many morally upright individuals from participating, thereby worsening leadership challenges in the country.

He insisted that politics remains a key instrument for shaping development, policies and the overall direction of society.

Otti defined societal transformation as deep structural change in values, institutions and behaviour that leads to improved wellbeing, justice and sustainable development.

He identified three critical pillars of transformation to include a shift in societal values, quality leadership and strong institutions, stressing that no society rises above the values it tolerates.

“Leadership determines direction, while institutions sustain progress. No society can rise above the values it tolerates,” he said.

The governor also called on churches to go beyond spiritual support and embrace practical empowerment programmes that create jobs and improve livelihoods, rather than relying solely on welfare handouts.

He cited initiatives under the Alex Otti Foundation as an example, encouraging religious organisations to establish cooperative societies that can provide interest-free loans and economic support to members.

Otti further urged faith-based organisations to mobilise their members for voter registration and ensure they obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that the Church has the moral influence to drive positive change in governance.

He argued that politics itself is not inherently dirty, but is often tainted by individuals who bring unethical behaviour into the system.

“The way to sanitise politics is for people of integrity, with proven track records, to get involved and see leadership as a call to service, not a career,” he said.

The governor also highlighted ongoing collaborations between his administration and religious organisations in sectors such as health and education, noting that such partnerships are already producing results in Abia State.

He concluded with a quote from German playwright Bertolt Brecht, warning that political ignorance often leads to poor governance and widespread societal hardship.

Earlier, the host, Rev. Dr. Sam Oye, commended Otti for what he described as visible transformation in Abia State, recalling past challenges and expressing optimism about the state’s continued progress.

The event was attended by clerics and church leaders from various denominations across the country.