*Why I Remain An Usher In Church
DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, was on Saturday, October 17, honoured with the Christian Icon Award by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in recognition of his commitment to public service, integrity, ethical leadership and Christian values.
Presenting the award to the governor during the Association’s 50th anniversary celebration at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, its President, Most Rev. Daniel C. Okoh, said the honour was reserved for distinguished leaders who exemplified excellence, integrity, commitment to nation-building and values of faith and service in their political engagements.
Okoh stated that Oborevwori’s contributions to national development through public service, based on compassion, integrity and ethical leadership, continued to inspire many across the country.He explained that the award recognised the governor’s commitment to upholding Christian principles in governance and his significant contributions to the Christian community in Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists after receiving the award, Oborevwori expressed 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 reflects not only public service, but also integrity, character and impact of a recipient’s contributions to society.
Oborevwori stated: “My faith and commitment to serving the people and humanity remain strong. It is a great honour to be recognised, particularly by 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.”
The governor stressed the need for public office holders to distinguish between political responsibilities and their service to God, insisting that political engagements should not undermine their faith.
He added: “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 explained that his commitment to ushering work began several years before he even became speaker of the state House of Assembly, saying he continues to function in that department, despite advice at the time to discontinue because of his political position.
Oborevwori said his conviction that service to God and humanity was a responsibility that must be sustained had remained a guiding principle throughout his public life, adding: “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 service to God should not be pursued for personal pleasure or recognition, but with sincerity, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.
The governor expressed delight at the presence of political leaders and other distinguished personalities who joined him at the ceremony, noting that the recognition also underscored CAN’s role in promoting unity among Christians.
Oborevwori was accompanied by the immediate past governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; members of the National Assembly, including Victor Nwokolo, Nicholas Mutu and Jonathan Ukodhiko; Chief of Staff, Government House, Johnson Erijo; and Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, among others.
