17, October 2026
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 exemplary public service, ethical leadership, integrity and unwavering commitment to Christian values.
The award was presented to the Governor by the President of CAN, His Eminence, Most Rev. (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh, during the Association’s 50th anniversary celebration held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Saturday.
Presenting the award, Archbishop Okoh said the honour is reserved for distinguished leaders who have demonstrated excellence, integrity, commitment to nation-building and have consistently upheld the values of faith and service in their political engagements.
He described Governor Oborevwori as a leader whose contributions to national development through public service, anchored on compassion, integrity and ethical leadership, have continued to inspire generations across the country.
According to the CAN President, the award specifically recognises Oborevwori’s commitment to upholding Christian principles in governance and his significant contributions to the growth and unity of the Christian community in Nigeria.
*Oborevwori: Award Is A Call To Greater Service*
Speaking with journalists shortly after receiving the award, Governor Oborevwori expressed profound gratitude to God, describing the recognition as a call to greater commitment to serving humanity.
He said the honour was particularly significant because it came from CAN, an organisation whose recognition, he noted, goes beyond public service to include integrity, character and societal impact.
“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,” Oborevwori stated.
The governor emphasised the need for public office holders to clearly distinguish between political responsibilities and their service to God, warning that political engagements must not 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.
Governor Oborevwori revealed that his commitment to ushering in the church began several years before he became Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and he had sustained the practice despite advice to discontinue it because of his political status. He said his conviction that service to God and humanity must be sustained has remained his guiding principle.
Commenting on CAN’s unity, the governor commended efforts to bring the five blocs of the Association together, noting that their unity would strengthen the Christian community and contribute to a more united Nigeria.
“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 pursued for personal pleasure or recognition but with sincerity, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.
Governor Oborevwori expressed delight at the presence of political leaders and dignitaries who joined him at the ceremony, noting that the recognition also underscored CAN’s vital role in promoting unity among Christians.
Prominent personalities who accompanied the Governor to the event included immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; members of the National Assembly, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Hon Nicholas Mutu and Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko; Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Johnson Erijo; and Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, among other government functionaries and political leaders.
