Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, said Nigeria was facing challenges and called on the Church, as the conscience of the nation, to fervently pray for its enduring peace, security and development.

Governor Oborevwori made the call when he received on a courtesy visit, the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, led by the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, at Government House, Asaba.

The Governor thanked the delegation for the visit and commended the Anglican Church for praying for him during the electioneering campaign.

He said: “I want to sincerely thank you for coming to pay this courtesy call on the government and people of Delta State. We are happy to receive you.

“I know you brought blessings to this state. This state is a praying state and we believe in God. Its only God that has helped me survive 38 court cases.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank you for allowing the fathers of faith, led by the Archbishop of the Bendel Province, Most Rev’d Cyril Odutemu, to pray for me during the elections.

“As a government, we believe in the role of the Church as the conscience of the nation and it is only the Church that can speak truth to power. I urge you to continue to fervently pray for this nation for unity, peace and security.

“It is your duty to continue to pray for the government for us to govern very well. We are also very happy that Delta State is hosting this programme because all the prayers that will be said here will remain with us.

“You have also stated that you will partner us in the areas of health, education and social development. If the church continues like this, this state will continue to prosper.

“This government is God-centered and people-oriented. We will continue to do things for our people, irrespective of party affiliations. By the grace of God, we are determined to improve the living conditions of our people.”

Earlier, Archbishop Ndukuba who commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for being a practical Christian in office, charged leaders across board to rule with the fear of God.

The Primate said the leadership of the Anglican Church in Nigeria were in Delta for a spiritual programme where the challenges of the nation would be tabled before God and gave assurance that it would positively enrich the state.

He said the Anglican Church in Nigeria would continue to stand against any doctrine that would promote gay, homosexuality, lesbianism and other unholy doctrine to undermine God’s ordained plans for His children.

Most Reverend Ndukuba assured the Governor of the synergy and prayers of the church in advancing his MORE agenda.