State Governor Hope Uzodimma on Friday, December 12 imbibed the injunction in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”. It was for this reason that he marked his 67th birthday celebration with a Thanksgiving Service where he lauded God’s grace upon himself and his family.
The Thanksgiving Service which had in attendance top government officials, Security Chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders from different denominations, politicians, youths, women groups, friends, family members and numerous well wishers was held at the Government House Chapel, Owerri.
In his remarks after Service, Governor Uzodimma also called on Imo residents in particular and Nigerians in general to intensify their prayers for the peace, progress, and security of Imo State and the Country.
Though Governor Uzodimma acknowledged the grace and goodness of God upon himself as a person, his little twin daughters who share the same birthday date with him, and his entire family, he however used the occasion to invite the audience to join him in service to the State under his watch through their fervent prayers.
The Governor who emphasised the critical role of divine intervention in overcoming the current social and economic challenges facing the Nation, specifically urged the people to make earnest prayers for sustained peace and continued development across all sectors in Imo State.
He stressed that a stable and prosperous Nigeria requires the collective prayers and vigilance of every citizen, especially as the nation continues to grapple with various forms of insecurity and instability.
Governor Uzodimma underscored the belief that unity and spiritual commitment are essential ingredients for navigating the complexities of governance and ensuring the well-being of the populace during this challenging period.
He was however full of appreciation to those who joined his family at the Thanksgiving Service and also prayed for God’s blessings upon them.
Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr) Solomon Amatu reflected on the essence of abiding by the precepts of God as individuals if we desire peace in our lives, community and State.
Bishop Amatu maintained that “as a people we must stand our ground to know where we are going, know what we want and stand by it so long as it pleases God”.
“Let nobody confuse you because each sees things differently,” he said, noting that “if you want to please everybody, you may succeed in pleasing no one.”
He then enjoined Christians not to evoke the anger of God as was the case during the time of Prophet Isaiah when God regretted creating man.
The Special Thanksgiving by the Governor and his family was characterised by singing of songs of praises by the audience who responded joyously to the renditions of the Government House Chapel choir in gratitude to God for the Governor’s birthday and dedication of the State and the Nation to God.
The highpoints were the cutting of the Governor’s 67th birthday cake and the presentation of letter by Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo xiv, through the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Thomas Obiatuegwu to the Governor.
Other gifts came from religious groups, the Imo APC family, St. Rose the Lima Parish, Omuma, the youth group and individuals.
The Governor’s wife, Barr Chioma Uzodimma and her children, Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Sir Chukwuma Ekomaru, Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, were among top government officials who graced the Thanksgiving Service.