The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has conferred its Christian Icon Award on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, citing his commitment to public service, integrity, ethical leadership and Christian values.

The award was presented on Saturday by CAN President His Eminence, Most Rev. (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh, during the association’s 50th anniversary celebration held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.

Okoh said the honour is set aside for exceptional leaders whose political engagements demonstrate excellence, integrity, dedication to nation-building and the values of faith and service.

He added that the governor’s contributions to national development through public service, which he described as anchored on compassion, integrity and ethical leadership, continue to inspire generations across the country.

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According to the CAN president, the award acknowledges Oborevwori’s commitment to upholding Christian principles in governance and his significant contributions to the Christian community in Nigeria.

Addressing journalists after receiving the award, the governor thanked God and described the recognition as a call to serve humanity with greater commitment.

Oborevwori said the honour carried particular weight because it came from CAN, whose recognition, he noted, reflects not only public service but also integrity, character and the impact a recipient has made on society.

He said: “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).

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“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 stressed that public office holders must separate their political duties from their service to God, insisting that political engagement 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.

Oborevwori said his commitment to ushering work began years before he became Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and that he carried on with it despite advice at the time that he stop because of his political position.

He said his conviction that service to God and humanity is a responsibility that must be sustained had remained a guiding principle throughout his public life.

Speaking further, the governor said: “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 added that service to God should be rendered with sincerity, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility rather than for personal pleasure or recognition.

Oborevwori expressed delight at the political leaders and other distinguished personalities who attended the ceremony with him, noting that the recognition also underlined CAN’s role in fostering unity among Christians.

Those who accompanied him included the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; National Assembly members Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Hon. Nicholas Mutu and Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko; the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Johnson Erijo; and the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, along with other government functionaries and political leaders.