Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said that when the Church stands united, it becomes an unstoppable force for societal transformation capable of confronting poverty, injustice, and moral decay.
The Governor made the statement on Thursday during the 2025 Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Delta State Day celebration held at the CAN Ecumenical Centre, Asaba.
Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, Governor Oborevwori described this year’s theme, “When the Church Unites,” as timely and profoundly significant for both Delta State and Nigeria.
“It is with gratitude to God that we are gathered here on this auspicious occasion of the 2025 CAN Day celebration.
“Yes, when the Church unites, it becomes far more than a gathering of believers; it becomes a force of transformation.
“Unity is the very heartbeat of transformation and our Lord, Jesus Christ prayed in John 17:21 that they may be one…
“The strength of our witness lies in the strength of our unity,” the Governor said.
He noted that 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 Church in Delta State for its longstanding role as a pillar of hope, sanctuary of peace, and beacon of moral guardianship.
He highlighted its contributions in education through the establishment of schools, healthcare delivery via hospitals and clinics, care for the vulnerable, and promotion of reconciliation during times of tension.
He emphasized, “the Church has partnered with us on education, building schools and nurturing young minds; it has played a healing role through hospitals and clinics; it has served the vulnerable and acted as a reconciler, promoting peace in moments of tension.
‘For these contributions, we remain deeply grateful.
“Together, we can expand youth empowerment, curb unemployment and social vices, strengthen peace and security, and enhance education and healthcare so that no child or family is left behind.”
He urged Christians to rise above denominational differences, embrace one another as one body in Christ, and speak with one voice against corruption, injustice, and violence.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of CAN, Delta State, Rev. Lucky Osagbakhoe, reiterated that promoting the unity of the body of Christ remains the cardinal objective of the association’s leadership.
“The strength of the Church lies in unity, a united Church is the greatest power on earth that nothing can stop in fulfilling its God-given purpose,” Rev. Osagbakhoe stated.
He urged Christians to pray fervently for an end to killings, terrorism, kidnapping, drug addiction, youth restiveness, and other societal vices, while also interceding for good governance, economic prosperity, good health, and the restoration of peace across the nation.
