From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has been honoured with the Christian Icon Award by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as part of activities marking the association’s 50th anniversary.
Akume received the award on Saturday at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, describing the recognition as an affirmation of the values of faith, integrity, compassion, sacrifice and service.
He said the honour went beyond recognition of his public service, reflecting the enduring principles that had guided his journey in public life.
“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to receive the prestigious Christian Icon Award. I receive this award with great humility, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility,” he said.
Akume accepted the award on behalf of his family, colleagues, associates and Nigerians he had served, dedicating it to citizens who contribute to their communities and the nation without seeking public recognition.
He also dedicated the honour to Nigerian youths, whose energy and creativity, he said, represented the promise of a greater Nigeria.
The SGF commended CAN for its contributions to the Christian community and the country over the past five decades, particularly in promoting faith, peace, unity, moral values and national cohesion.
He said religious institutions had a greater responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship amid the complex challenges confronting Nigeria and other societies.
“For fifty years, CAN has remained an important voice. At a time when our nation, like many societies around the world, faces complex challenges, the responsibility of religious institutions to promote peace, tolerance, compassion and responsible citizenship has never been greater,” he said.
Akume said his Christian faith had shaped his understanding of leadership as a responsibility to serve rather than an opportunity to acquire privileges.
“The Christian faith teaches us that leadership is about sacrifice, not privilege, and about contribution, not acquisition,” he said, adding that he had always regarded public office as an opportunity to serve.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and contributing to efforts to build a more prosperous, peaceful and united Nigeria.
“As Secretary to the Government of the Federation, I remain profoundly conscious of the enormous responsibility entrusted to me by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and of the duty to contribute to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda and to the building of a more prosperous, peaceful and united Nigeria,” he said.
The SGF pledged that the recognition would inspire him to serve more diligently, lead with greater humility and remain committed to national unity, peace and progress.
He congratulated CAN on its golden jubilee, expressing hope that the association’s next 50 years would be marked by greater achievements and deeper contributions to the country’s peace, stability and development.
“May God continue to bless the Christian Association of Nigeria and may He continue to unite our people, prosper our nation and make Nigeria a beacon of peace, justice, prosperity and hope,” Akume said.
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