Delta Governor Receives Recognition at CAN’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has honoured Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, with its Christian Icon Award in recognition of his contributions to public service, ethical leadership and the promotion of Christian values.
The award was presented to the governor 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 public service reflected integrity, excellence, commitment to nation-building and the values of faith and service.
He said Oborevwori’s contributions to national development, which he said were anchored on compassion, integrity and ethical leadership, continued to inspire people across the country.
According to the CAN president, the recognition also acknowledged the governor’s commitment to Christian principles in governance and his contributions to the Christian community in Nigeria.
Oborevwori Describes Award as Call to Greater Service
Reacting to the honour, Oborevwori expressed gratitude to God, describing the award as a renewed call to greater commitment to serving humanity.
The governor said receiving the recognition from CAN was particularly significant because the association’s assessment extended beyond public office to include integrity, character and an individual’s 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 (CAN).
“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 said.
Oborevwori also urged political office holders to maintain a clear distinction between their political responsibilities and their service to God.
He stressed that participation in politics should not weaken an individual’s faith or commitment to religious responsibilities.
“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,” the governor said.
Governor Reaffirms Commitment to Service
Oborevwori disclosed that his commitment to ushering work began several years before he became Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
He said he had continued the practice despite receiving advice at the time to discontinue it because of his political position.
According to the governor, his conviction that service to God and humanity must be sustained has remained a guiding principle throughout his public life.
He also commended efforts to unite the five blocs within the Christian community, expressing optimism that greater cooperation among them would strengthen their contribution 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.
The governor further emphasised 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.
Okowa, Guwor, Others Accompany Governor
Oborevwori expressed delight at the presence of political leaders and other distinguished personalities who accompanied him to the anniversary celebration.
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He noted that the occasion also highlighted CAN’s role in promoting unity among Christians and strengthening their collective contribution to national development.
Those who accompanied the governor included the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; and members of the National Assembly, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Hon. Nicholas Mutu and Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko.
Others were the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Johnson Erijo; and the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, alongside other government officials and political leaders.
The award ceremony formed part of activities marking CAN’s 50th anniversary, celebrating the association’s decades of engagement with the Christian community and its role in Nigeria’s religious and national life.