Hope Uzodimma ‘begs’ Nigerians during 67th birthday celebration

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Friday, December 12, marked his 67th birthday with a special Thanksgiving Service held at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, where he expressed deep gratitude to God for His grace upon his life and family.

The event was attended by top government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth groups, political associates, friends, family members and other well-wishers.

In his remarks after the service, Governor Uzodimma called on Imo residents and Nigerians at large to intensify prayers for the peace, progress, and security of both the state and the nation. While acknowledging God’s favour upon himself, his family, and his twin daughters, who share the same birthday with him, the Governor urged the public to join him in dedicating Imo State to God through sincere and consistent prayers.

He emphasised the critical need for divine intervention in addressing Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges, urging citizens to pray earnestly for sustained peace and development across all sectors of the state. A stable and prosperous country, he stressed, required collective prayers, vigilance, and unity, especially in the face of insecurity and national instability.

Uzodimma noted that spiritual commitment and unity remained essential for navigating the complexities of governance and ensuring the welfare of the people during this difficult period. He thanked all who attended the Thanksgiving Service and prayed for God’s blessings upon them.

Earlier in his sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Solomon Amatu, reflected on the importance of living according to God’s precepts as the foundation for peace in society. He urged Nigerians to stand firm in their convictions, guided by what pleases God, even when opinions differ.

He warned against provoking God’s anger, recalling biblical examples, and encouraged Christians to remain steadfast, focused, and true to godly principles.

The joyful service featured praise songs and worship led by the Government House Chapel Choir, to which the congregation responded enthusiastically.

Highpoints of the event included:

• The cutting of Governor Uzodimma’s 67th birthday cake

• Presentation of a letter from Pope Leo XIV, delivered through the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Thomas Obiatuegwu

• Additional gifts from religious groups, the Imo APC family, St. Rose of Lima Parish, Omuma, youth organizations and other individuals

Among the dignitaries present were the Governor’s wife, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, their children, the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, and her husband, Sir Chukwuma Ekomaru, as well as the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, and Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie.