Okoh cites governor’s ethical leadership, commitment to nation-building
Delta gov says politics must not undermine faith
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend honoured Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, with its Christian Icon Award in recognition of his contributions to public service, ethical leadership and the growth of Christianity in Nigeria.
Presenting the award at CAN’s 50th anniversary celebration at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, the association’s President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Oborevwori had demonstrated a commitment to Christian values, integrity and nation-building through his public service.
Okoh said the governor’s contributions, anchored on compassion, ethical leadership and service to humanity, had continued to inspire people across the country.
The award recognised Oborevwori’s commitment to Christian principles in governance and his contributions to the Christian community, he added.
Okoh said the Christian Icon Award was reserved for leaders who demonstrated excellence, integrity, commitment to nation-building and the values of faith and service in their political engagements.
He said Oborevwori’s record in public service reflected the importance of compassion, integrity and ethical leadership, adding that the award acknowledged his contributions to governance and the Christian community.
The ceremony was attended by political leaders and government officials, including former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; and members of the National Assembly, Victor Nwokolo, Nicholas Mutu and Jonathan Ukodhiko.- Others included the Chief of Staff, Government House, Johnson Erijo, and the governor’s Senior Political Adviser, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Festus Ahon, alongside other government officials and political leaders.
Okoh called for a more courageous, informed and constructive approach to public engagement in the next 50 years of the association, noting that the Church had a responsibility to speak for citizens whose voices were often ignored.
“Faith must find practical expression in compassion, service, and advocacy. The Church must speak. The Church must speak,” he said.
However, the CAN president cautioned that the Church’s prophetic responsibility must not become a platform for indiscriminate opposition to government policies or political leaders.
He maintained that the Church’s public interventions must be truthful, balanced and supported by evidence, adding that its credibility would be strengthened by careful analysis and responsible engagement.
Receiving the honour, the governor urged political office holders to maintain a clear distinction between their political responsibilities and their commitment to God, warning against allowing the pursuit of political interests to undermine their faith.
“We may be involved in politics, but we must be able to distinguish between serving God and playing politics. These are two different responsibilities, and we must never allow politics to undermine our commitment to God,” he said.
Oborevwori described the recognition as a call to greater service to humanity, expressing gratitude to God and CAN for the honour.- He said the award was particularly significant because the association considered not only a recipient’s record in public office but also their character, integrity and impact on society.
“My faith and commitment to serving the people and humanity remain strong. It is a great honour to be recognised, particularly by the Christian Association of Nigeria,” the governor said.
“When an organisation such as CAN gives you an award, it means a lot because the recognition is based not merely on public service but also on integrity, character and the impact you have made,” he added.
Oborevwori disclosed that his commitment to ushering work predated his emergence as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, explaining that he continued the practice despite advice at the time that he should discontinue it because of his political position.
He said his belief in service to God and humanity had remained a guiding principle throughout his public life, stressing that religious service should be motivated by sincerity and dedication rather than personal gratification or the desire for recognition.
The governor also called for unity among Christian groups, commending efforts to bring the five blocs within the Christian community together.
“I commend the efforts to bring the five blocs together. If they remain united and speak with one voice, I believe they can contribute significantly to the development of the country. Their unity will strengthen the Christian community and, in turn, contribute to a more united Nigeria,” he emphasised.
Oborevwori said greater cohesion among Christian organisations would strengthen their contribution to national development, urging religious leaders to sustain efforts to promote unity within the community.
The governor expressed confidence that the coming years would witness greater cooperation among Christian denominations, stressing the importance of protecting the association from undue political influence.
This Day Nigeria · সাধারণ
CAN Honours Oborevwori for Contribution to Church, Humanity
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