*Senator George Akume.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has conferred its prestigious Christian Icon Award on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in recognition of his contributions to public service and commitment to the values of faith, integrity, compassion and selfless service.
Akume received the award on Saturday at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, during CAN’s 50th anniversary celebration, where he described the honour as a humbling affirmation of his faith and a call to greater responsibility in serving the nation.
“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,” the SGF said.
He noted that the honour was more than recognition of public service, but an affirmation of enduring values that have guided his journey in public life, and accepted it on behalf of his family, colleagues, associates and Nigerians he has served.
Paying tribute to CAN’s five decades of impact, Akume said the Association has remained an important voice in the Nigerian Christian community, contributing significantly to 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.
The SGF said the Christian faith teaches that leadership is about sacrifice, not privilege, and about contribution, not acquisition, adding that he has always regarded public office as an opportunity to serve.
“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 dedicated the award to all Nigerians who quietly and selflessly serve their communities and nation without applause, and to Nigerian youths whose energy and creativity represent the promise of a greater Nigeria.
Akume congratulated CAN on 50 years of service to the Church and nation, praying that the next 50 years would bring greater accomplishments and deeper contribution to peace, stability and development.
He reaffirmed his solemn commitment that the award would inspire him to serve more diligently, lead with greater humility, and remain committed to unity, peace and progress.
“May God continue to bless the Christian Association of Nigeria and may He continue to unite our people, prosper our nation and make Nigeria a beacon of peace, justice, prosperity and hope,” he concluded.