By Iheanyi Enwerem
Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has affirmed that the sixth year of his administration, marking the commencement of his second term, will usher in a more progressive phase of governance, which he described as operating at a “cruise level.”
The Governor made this declaration during a Thanksgiving Mass held at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, to mark the sixth anniversary of his administration.
“Fasten your seat belts; we are on cruise level. My Lord Bishop, we will achieve more infrastructural development this time around,” Uzodimma stated.
He expressed gratitude to religious leaders, community stakeholders, and security agencies for their continued support, while appealing for sustained prayers to ensure peace and stability in Imo State.
Governor Uzodimma also reflected on the significance of being sworn in on Nigeria’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, paying glowing tribute to members of the Armed Forces and other security personnel for their sacrifices in defending the nation.
Reassuring Imo citizens, the Governor said the State had moved beyond its most challenging period and was now firmly positioned on a steady path of progress and development. He urged the people to work collectively to protect and preserve the gains recorded under his administration.
He reaffirmed his commitment to good governance and encouraged Imo people to remain united, hopeful, and steadfast in prayers for God’s grace upon the State.
In his goodwill message, the Catholic Bishop of the Owerri Archdiocese and Archbishop Metropolitan, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, who officiated the Mass, congratulated Governor Uzodimma on his six years in office, commending what he described as significant achievements recorded during the period.
Bishop Ugorji praised the administration’s investments in road and social infrastructure, as well as the Skill Up Imo programme, which he said has empowered youths with employable skills and boosted entrepreneurship through digital innovation.
He also noted improvements in security across Imo State, which, according to him, enabled residents to travel safely during the Christmas and New Year festivities. However, he condemned recent criminal activities, including the discovery of an illegal mortuary in Ngor Okpala, expressing confidence that such acts would be eliminated through sustained government efforts.
The Bishop further paid tribute to fallen heroes and serving members of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation.
Earlier in his homily, Bishop Ugorji emphasized gratitude, faith, and right motives in seeking God, urging the faithful to respond to divine blessings with thanksgiving.
The high point of the service was the presentation of the “Doyin of Ecumenism” award to Governor Uzodimma by the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), the country’s oldest Christian body. The award was presented by the CCN Chairman, Rt. Rev. Dr. David Onuoha, Anglican Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province.
Archbishop Onuoha, who was accompanied by other CCN member bishops including the Anglican Bishop of Mbaise Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chamberlain Oguledo, commended Governor Uzodimma for promoting unity within the Christian community, irrespective of denominational differences.
He echoed Bishop Ugorji’s assessment that the Uzodimma administration has positively impacted Imo State in numerous ways and urged citizens to continue praying for the Governor.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, and her husband, Chukwuma; the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu; members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council; former Governor Chief Ikedi Ohakim; former Deputy Governors Prof. Placid Njoku, Sir Jude Agbaso, and Dr. Ada Okwuonu; security chiefs; federal and state legislators; traditional rulers; clergy; APC chieftains; and other critical stakeholders.