The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday honoured the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume with its Christian Icon Award at the 50th-anniversary celebration of the organisation.
CAN used the occasion to spotlight the role it expects religious leaders and public officials to play in Nigeria as the nation confronts security, economic and social strains.
The award was presented at the National Christian Centre in Abuja during CAN’s Golden Jubilee.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF Yomi Odunuga in a statement said Akume, a former Governor of Benue State in his remarks, described the recognition as both a personal honour and a reminder of the responsibilities attached to public office.
“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to receive the prestigious Christian Icon Award,” Akume said.
“I receive this award with great humility, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility.”
CAN, the umbrella body for Christian denominations in Nigeria, marked five decades as a prominent voice in national public life.
SGF Akume said the association had contributed to faith, peace, unity and moral values, while urging religious institutions to continue promoting tolerance and responsible citizenship.
“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 said.
The event came as CAN concluded celebrations under the theme “Jubilee of Justice: Faith, Governance and the Pursuit of Common Good in Nigeria,” underscoring the association’s effort to link religious advocacy with questions of governance and public welfare.
Akume also described the award around a doctrine of public service, saying Christian leadership demanded sacrifice rather than privilege and contribution rather than acquisition.
He said he had long viewed public office as an opportunity to serve rather than a route to personal gain.
As secretary to the government, Akume holds one of the most influential administrative positions in President Tinubu’s administration, coordinating parts of the federal bureaucracy and supporting implementation of the president’s policy agenda.
He said he remained conscious of the responsibility entrusted to him by President Tinubu and committed to advancing the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The SGF dedicated the honoour to Nigerians who serve their communities without public recognition, and to young Nigerians, whom he described as carrying the country’s promise.
He congratulated CAN on its anniversary and prayed that its next 50 years would bring greater contributions to peace, stability and development.
“May God continue to bless the Christian Association of Nigeria,” Akume said, “and may He continue to unite our people, prosper our nation and make Nigeria a beacon of peace, justice, prosperity and hope.”
