The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has conferred its prestigious Christian Icon Award on Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in recognition of his leadership, integrity, commitment to public service and adherence to Christian values.
The award was presented by CAN President, His Eminence, Most Rev. (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh, during the association’s 50th anniversary celebration at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Saturday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Okoh said the award was reserved for distinguished leaders whose conduct and contributions exemplified integrity, excellence, nation-building and the principles of faith and service.
He noted that Oborevwori’s contributions to national development through public service, guided by compassion and ethical leadership, had continued to inspire people across the country.
According to the CAN president, the honour also recognises the governor’s commitment to promoting Christian principles in governance and his contributions to the Christian community in Nigeria.
## Oborevwori: Award a Call to Greater Service
Reacting to the recognition, Oborevwori expressed gratitude to God, describing the award as a call to greater dedication to the service of humanity.
The governor said receiving the honour from CAN was particularly meaningful because the association’s recognition, in his view, extended beyond official responsibilities to include character, integrity and the positive impact of a recipient’s contributions to 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 (CAN),” he 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.”
The governor also urged political office holders to maintain a clear distinction between their political responsibilities and their service to God, stressing that participation in politics should not weaken 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.
## Recounts Commitment to Church Service
Oborevwori disclosed that his commitment to ushering in the church began years before he became Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
He said he sustained the responsibility despite advice at the time that he should discontinue the practice because of his political position.
According to him, his conviction that service to God and humanity must remain a continuing responsibility has been a guiding principle throughout his public life.
The governor further commended efforts to unite the five blocs within the Christian community, expressing optimism that their cooperation would strengthen the church and contribute to national development.
“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 said.
He added that service to God should not be motivated by personal gratification or the pursuit of recognition but by sincerity, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.
## Dignitaries Accompany Governor
Oborevwori expressed appreciation to the political leaders, government officials and other distinguished personalities who accompanied him to the ceremony, noting that the occasion also highlighted CAN’s role in fostering unity among Christians.
Those present included former Delta State Governor and Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; and members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Hon. Nicholas Mutu and Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko.
Others were the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Johnson Erijo; Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; and other government functionaries and political leaders.
