Oborevwori Urges Church Unity To Confront Corruption, Injustice
By PAULINA NZERUBE
DELTA State governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Christians across Nigeria to rise above denominational barriers and unite as one body in confronting the moral and social challenges plaguing the nation. He made the call on Thursday during the 2025 Delta State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Day celebration, held at the CAN Ecumenical Centre in Asaba.
Addressed by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, who represented him at the event, Governor Oborevwori emphasised that the Church possesses an unmatched capacity to influence society when it stands together in purpose, vision, and voice. He described this year’s theme, “When the Church Unites,” as not only timely but also profoundly relevant to the prevailing realities in Delta State and Nigeria.
According to him, unity within the Christian community is essential for confronting corruption, injustice, violence, poverty, and the erosion of moral values. He noted that Jesus Christ Himself prayed for unity among believers in John 17:21, recognising that the power of their collective witness depends on the strength of their unity.
“When the Church unites, it becomes far more than a gathering of believers; it becomes a force of transformation,” the governor said. “Unity is the heartbeat of transformation. A united Church breaks down walls of domination, pride, and cultural division, empowering believers to tackle societal challenges with clarity, courage, and collective authority.”
Governor Oborevwori commended the Christian community in Delta State for its longstanding contributions to the development and stability of the state. He described the Church as a “pillar of hope, a sanctuary of peace, and a beacon of moral guardianship,” highlighting its role in education, healthcare, social welfare, and peacebuilding.
He acknowledged the Church’s partnership with the state government through the establishment of schools and medical facilities, as well as its interventions in helping the vulnerable and promoting reconciliation during periods of tension. These efforts, he said, have strengthened the fabric of society and complemented the government’s own development initiatives.
Looking ahead, the governor urged the Church to deepen its collaboration with the state to address unemployment, youth restiveness, rising social vices, and gaps in healthcare and education. “Together, we can expand youth empowerment, curb social vices, strengthen peace and security, and enhance education and healthcare so that no child or family is left behind,” he stated.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of CAN, Delta State chapter, Rev. Lucky Osagbakhoe, reaffirmed that the core mission of the association remains the promotion of unity within the body of Christ. He declared that a united Church remains an unstoppable force capable of fulfilling its God-given mandate on earth.
Rev. Osagbakhoe also called on Christians to intensify prayers for Nigeria, urging intercession for an end to killings, terrorism, kidnapping, drug abuse, youth restiveness, and other escalating social problems. He further appealed for prayers for good governance, economic recovery, improved health, and the restoration of peace across all states of the federation.
The event drew leaders from various denominations, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening Christian unity and leveraging the Church’s influence for the moral and socio-economic transformation of society.
