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