By Elohor Foghola/Elizabeth Oduje
Warri, Dec. 16, 2025 — The Executive Director of Projects, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, has acknowledged the critical role played by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Delta State Chapter, and the wider Christian community in the emergence of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Dr. Okorodudu made the remark on Tuesday while receiving leaders of OAIC on a courtesy visit to the DESOPADEC Headquarters in Warri.
Describing OAIC as one of the major blocs within the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), he said the church contributed significantly to the success of the governor during the 2023 governorship election through prayers and civic participation.
According to him, the support of the church was instrumental to Governor Oborevwori’s emergence, stressing that it was not political but rooted in the commitment of the Body of Christ.
“The support of the church strengthened the governor’s emergence. It was not political; it was spiritual and civic. The commitment of the Body of Christ played a major role,” he said.
Dr. Okorodudu commended OAIC for its continued support and for recognising the performance of the present administration, while also praising Governor Oborevwori’s achievements, particularly in infrastructure development across the state.
“The governor has performed exceptionally well. If we are to score him, he has performed excellently,” he added, noting visible improvements in key areas, including Warri and its environs.
Responding to requests presented by the church, the DESOPADEC Director of Projects explained that the proposed OAIC secretariat project in Ibusa falls outside the commission’s mandate areas. He, however, assured the delegation of his personal support, emphasising that the church remains deserving of government attention.
He urged OAIC and the Christian community to continue to pray for the Oborevwori administration and DESOPADEC, so the commission can continue to enjoy the favour of the state government.
Earlier, the Delta State Chairman of OAIC, Rev. Jonathan Arhavwarie, said the delegation visited DESOPADEC to congratulate Dr. Okorodudu on his appointment and to pray for him, in line with biblical injunctions to support those in authority.
Rev. Arhavwarie described OAIC as one of the largest blocs within CAN, comprising indigenous African churches across the continent. He noted that the organisation was founded in Cairo, Egypt, in 1979 and came to Nigeria the same year, adding that OAIC has existed for over 45 years.
He called for stronger partnership between OAIC, the Delta State Government and DESOPADEC, recalling that the immediate past governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, allocated a parcel of land in Ibusa to the organisation, on which over ₦60 million has already been invested.
Rev. Arhavwarie appealed for government support to complete the project and expressed OAIC’s readiness to partner with DESOPADEC whenever the need arises.
Also speaking, a former Chairman of OAIC, Apostle Timothy Okene, commended the state government for ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly the completed Ughelli–Asaba Road, which he described as one of the best in the South-South region and among the finest in the country.
Apostle Okene expressed optimism that the Eku Road project would be completed within the remaining years of the Oborevwori administration, assuring that OAIC would continue to partner with the government for the development of the state.
Warri, Dec. 16, 2025 — The Executive Director of Projects, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, has acknowledged the critical role played by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Delta State Chapter, and the wider Christian community in the emergence of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Dr. Okorodudu made the remark on Tuesday while receiving leaders of OAIC on a courtesy visit to the DESOPADEC Headquarters in Warri.
Describing OAIC as one of the major blocs within the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), he said the church contributed significantly to the success of the governor during the 2023 governorship election through prayers and civic participation.
According to him, the support of the church was instrumental to Governor Oborevwori’s emergence, stressing that it was not political but rooted in the commitment of the Body of Christ.
“The support of the church strengthened the governor’s emergence. It was not political; it was spiritual and civic. The commitment of the Body of Christ played a major role,” he said.
Dr. Okorodudu commended OAIC for its continued support and for recognising the performance of the present administration, while also praising Governor Oborevwori’s achievements, particularly in infrastructure development across the state.
“The governor has performed exceptionally well. If we are to score him, he has performed excellently,” he added, noting visible improvements in key areas, including Warri and its environs.
Responding to requests presented by the church, the DESOPADEC Director of Projects explained that the proposed OAIC secretariat project in Ibusa falls outside the commission’s mandate areas. He, however, assured the delegation of his personal support, emphasising that the church remains deserving of government attention.
He urged OAIC and the Christian community to continue to pray for the Oborevwori administration and DESOPADEC, so the commission can continue to enjoy the favour of the state government.
Earlier, the Delta State Chairman of OAIC, Rev. Jonathan Arhavwarie, said the delegation visited DESOPADEC to congratulate Dr. Okorodudu on his appointment and to pray for him, in line with biblical injunctions to support those in authority.
Rev. Arhavwarie described OAIC as one of the largest blocs within CAN, comprising indigenous African churches across the continent. He noted that the organisation was founded in Cairo, Egypt, in 1979 and came to Nigeria the same year, adding that OAIC has existed for over 45 years.
He called for stronger partnership between OAIC, the Delta State Government and DESOPADEC, recalling that the immediate past governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, allocated a parcel of land in Ibusa to the organisation, on which over ₦60 million has already been invested.
Rev. Arhavwarie appealed for government support to complete the project and expressed OAIC’s readiness to partner with DESOPADEC whenever the need arises.
Also speaking, a former Chairman of OAIC, Apostle Timothy Okene, commended the state government for ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly the completed Ughelli–Asaba Road, which he described as one of the best in the South-South region and among the finest in the country.
Apostle Okene expressed optimism that the Eku Road project would be completed within the remaining years of the Oborevwori administration, assuring that OAIC would continue to partner with the government for the development of the state.
