The Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity (CCDI) has nominated the governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, for the 2026 United Nations Public Service Award (UNPSA).
The nomination was submitted under the thematic focus of Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
CCDI is an organisation registered in both Nigeria and the United States as a tax-exempt non-governmental organisation with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
President/Representative of CCDI to ECOSOC/United Nations, Comrade Olufemi Aduwo, stated in a statement on Friday, that the UN Public Service Award remained the foremost global recognition for excellence in public administration.
He explained that the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) followed a rigorous, multi-stage procedure in selecting award recipients.
According to him, the evaluation process begins with the independent verification of submissions from accredited bodies.
Aduwo added that this was followed by technical assessments carried out by international experts in governance, administrative reform, transparency, and institutional accountability.
“Nominees who passed this stage are then subjected to peer review by an intergovernmental panel, ensuring that only candidates who demonstrate measurable impact, reformative leadership, and alignment with the SDGs are considered for the final award,” he added.
Aduwo noted that the nomination of Governor Oborevwori by CCDI was based on his demonstrable efforts to strengthen public institutions and enhance citizen security.
He added that Oborevwori was nominated due to his deep community-centred conflict-resolution mechanisms, and widened access to justice across Delta State.
He added that CCDI’s institutional assessment of governance in the state dated back to more than a decade, allowing for an objective comparison between past and current administrative performance.
He further observed that Governor Oborevwori’s consolidation of peace-building frameworks, prudent management of public finances, and sustained investment in institutional resilience has positioned Delta State as a governance model deserving of international attention.
The CCDI President also recalled that the organisation has previously supported nominations that were eventually successful, including Mrs Amina J. Mohammed in 2015 and Senator Ibikunle Amosun in 2019, each recognised for significant reforms in public-sector administration.
He stated that the current nomination was in continuation of CCDI’s tradition of evidence-based institutional evaluation and strict adherence to United Nations criteria.
Aduwo expressed confidence that the record of Governor Oborevwori satisfied the high standards of integrity, innovation, transparency, and societal impact required of UNPSA laureates.
