By Nkechi Eze
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has received the Christian Icon Award from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as the association marked its 50th anniversary in Abuja.
Akume received the award on Saturday at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, describing the recognition as a humbling affirmation of faith, integrity, compassion, sacrifice and service.
According to an official statement signed by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Akume expressed gratitude for the honour, saying it came with a deep sense of responsibility.
“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to receive the prestigious Christian Icon Award. I receive this award with great humility, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility,” he said.
The SGF noted that the award represented more than recognition of his public service, describing it as an affirmation of the enduring values that had guided his journey in public life.
He accepted the honour on behalf of his family, colleagues, associates and Nigerians he had served, while dedicating it to citizens who continued to contribute selflessly to their communities and the nation without seeking public recognition.
Akume commended CAN for its contributions to the Nigerian Christian community over the past five decades, noting that the association had remained an important voice in promoting faith, peace, unity, moral values and national cohesion.
“For fifty years, CAN has remained an important voice. At a time when our nation, like many societies around the world, faces complex challenges, the responsibility of religious institutions to promote peace, tolerance, compassion and responsible citizenship has never been greater,” he stated.
On leadership and public service, the SGF said the Christian faith taught that leadership was about sacrifice rather than privilege, and contribution rather than acquisition.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and contributing to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As Secretary to the Government of the Federation, I remain profoundly conscious of the enormous responsibility entrusted to me by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and of the duty to contribute to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda and to the building of a more prosperous, peaceful and united Nigeria,” Akume said.
He also dedicated the award to Nigerian youths, describing their energy and creativity as vital to the country’s future and the realisation of a greater Nigeria.
Congratulating CAN on its golden jubilee, Akume expressed hope that the association’s next 50 years would bring greater accomplishments and deeper contributions to peace, stability and national development.
He pledged to allow the recognition inspire him to serve more diligently, lead with greater humility and remain committed to national unity, peace and progress.
The SGF concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings on CAN and Nigeria, expressing hope that the country would become a beacon of peace, justice, prosperity and hope.
