Make humility, love your watchword at Christmas, Uzodimma tells Nigerians

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has called on  Nigerians to make humility and love their watchword as they celebrate Christmas.

Also, he advised the Christians to embrace unity, gratitude, and compassion, describing them as rare qualities which Jesus Christ whose birth the world celebrates, symbolises.

He emphasised the importance of being practicing Christians and the danger inherent in being nominal ones.

The Governor made the remarks  Wednesday at the Imo State Government House Annex, Eziachi in Orlu at the 2025 Christmas Carol while delivering his message.

Describing Christmas as more than a festive period, the Governor said it is “a time for deep spiritual introspection on our faith and the shared values that define our humanity.”

Governor Uzodimma acknowledged the difficulties faced by many families and expressed gratitude for life, noting, “It is not because we have been more deserving than those who have passed; it is purely by God’s boundless mercy.”

He urged leaders and citizens alike to reflect Christ-like virtues exemplified in humility and love, stating that “both leaders and the led are called to embody the simplicity, love, and compassion demonstrated by Christ.”

The Governor also harped on efforts to  improve the economic conditions in the country, saying, “this Christmas arrives after a harvest of good news for all Nigeria,”  attributing the optimism to reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which he described as “necessary for our national survival.”

He concluded by reminding citizens to care for the less privileged, the vulnerable in their midst, urging them to remember “those who don’t have anything to eat.”

He then wished Imo State residents in particular and Nigerians at large a peaceful and joyful Christmas.

Earlier, the Anglican Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Rt. Rev.  Benjamin Okere  gave a message on “Share the Good News” where he encouraged Christians to spread the message of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ; and proclaim the redemption his coming brought to the world.

Bishop Okeke added that beyond the biblical message of good news, Christian is should equally find the need to rejoice and share news of good governance in Imo State, especially the milestone achieved by Governor Uzodimma in infrastructure and human capital development.

The highlight of the event was the melodious rendition of Christmas songs by a number of choir groups, and intercessory prayers for the State by various Church leaders.

Present at the event include; the Catholic Bishop of Orlu, His Grace Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma, the Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu, His Grace, Most Rev Thomas Obiatuegwu, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), wife of the Governor, Barr.(Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, former Governor of the State, Chief Iledi Ohakim and wife, Ambassador designate Chioma, Senators Ned Nwoko, Patrick Ndubueze, Osita Izunazo, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, and other members of the National Assembly.

Others include the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the Imo State Expanded Exco, Local Government Council chairmen, traditional rulers, the clergy, security Chiefs, stakeholders and friends of the State.