By Evelyn Obibi-Assay & Ejememo Igho,
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, has called for a fresh apostolic awakening to restore moral values, rekindle hope and strengthen the ethical foundation needed for sustainable development in Delta State and Nigeria.
The governor made the call on Thursday at the Delta State Summit of the International Network of Apostolic Ministry (INTERACT), one of the largest gatherings of Christian ministers in the state, held at Royal Generation Mission, Km 1, Ubogo Road, Ubogo Town, Udu Local Government Area. The summit, themed "Apostolic Reload," brought together church leaders and ministers from across the state to pray, worship and deliberate on the spiritual and moral direction of the nation.
Represented by the Executive Director of Projects, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, JP, Governor Oborevwori said Delta State remained fertile ground for the Gospel and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to working closely with the faith community in promoting peace, good governance and nation-building.
Speaking on the summit's theme, the governor described "reloading" as restoring what has been depleted, recharging what has become weary and repositioning individuals for renewed effectiveness and greater impact. "To reload is to restore what has been depleted, to recharge what has grown weary and to reposition for a fresh and more effective discharge of duty. Our nation and our state stand at a season that calls for such reloading—not only in the spiritual realm but also in the moral and civic life of our people."
He stressed that just as the apostles of old were recommissioned at critical moments in biblical history, today's ministers must rise to inspire hope, rebuild societal values and strengthen the moral foundations upon which enduring development is built. "Just as the apostles of old were commissioned afresh at critical turning points, so too must ministers of today rise to reawaken hope, restore values and rebuild the moral architecture upon which lasting development is built."
Governor Oborevwori said his administration's M.O.R.E. Agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security—recognises the Church as a critical partner in governance.
According to him, while government provides policies, infrastructure and institutions, the Church plays the indispensable role of shaping character, strengthening families and nurturing the moral conscience of society.
He urged ministers to ensure the summit transcends sermons and conferences by producing a renewed commitment to righteousness, integrity and selfless service. "Let this summit be more than an assembly of sermons. Let it become a genuine reloading of purpose that produces ministers who preach righteousness and practise integrity, and a Church that continually intercedes for Delta State and Nigeria while working for the upliftment of the poor and the strengthening of family values."
Earlier, the Delta State General Overseer of INTERACT, Bishop Monday Okotie, described the annual summit as a platform for spiritual renewal and empowerment, noting that the ministry had continued to record remarkable transformation through verifiable testimonies.
He encouraged participants to see the gathering as an opportunity to receive fresh spiritual strength for the journey ahead. "I want you to see this summit as an opportunity to refill your tank for the journey in 2026. The fuel is in abundance and the fuel attendant—the Trinity—has positioned Himself at the pump stand."
Delivering the keynote message, the International President of INTERACT, Apostle Dr. Zilly Aggrey, prayed for divine renewal in the lives of ministers and believers, lamenting what he described as the erosion of spiritual values and the decline in the nation's moral standards.
He contrasted the quality of life Nigerians once enjoyed with present realities, observing that many people now demand proof of miracles before believing, a development he said reflected declining faith.
The cleric urged believers, particularly young people, to pursue God's glory above material pursuits, cultivate genuine relationships, remember their humble beginnings and recommit themselves to worship, evangelism, diligence and godly living.
The summit featured special prayers for Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government, worship sessions, testimonies, music ministrations and colourful cultural displays.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy International President of INTERACT and President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Dr. Abos Willie; Deputy State General Overseer, Bishop Josephine Edeme; Bishop Dr. San Oyede; Apostle Prof. Goodwill D.K. Ebizugbe; Rev. Dr. Gabriel Umueme; Bishop Dr. Simeon Okah; Archbishop Eric Emiaso; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by Government House Chaplain, Rev. David Yala; and the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Matthew Ediri Egbi, JP, represented by Queen Felicia Egbi and Queen Joyce Egbi, alongside other church leaders, traditional rulers and government officials.
