Imo @50: Uzodimma thanks God, Church for stability, calls for unity, more prayers
Governor Hope Uzodimma has expressed gratitude to God and the Church for the role they played in stabilising Imo State in the past 50 years, describing the Thanksgiving Service to commence the weeklong activities marking the creation of Imo State in February 1976 as the most fitting way to begin the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The Governor spoke on Sunday February 1, 2026 during an interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri, to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of Imo State.
Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu was the first military Administrator of Imo State on creation from former East Central State in February 3, 1976.
During the Thanksgiving Service, Uzodimma said the occasion was not meant for political speeches, but a moment to reflect on God’s faithfulness and the progress Imo State has recorded over the decades, despite numerous social, economic and security challenges.
He said Imo State has grown remarkably from what it was 50 years ago, adding that recent years have witnessed renewed stability, restored confidence and measurable progress across key sectors.
The Governor commended the Christian community for standing with the State in prayers during difficult times, particularly at the onset of his administration when Imo faced serious security challenges, including a jail break that involved more than 1,800 inmates at the Owerri Correctional Centre.
He noted that the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the State did not come by chance, but fruits of sustained prayers, urging religious leaders to continue praying for Imo State, Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders.
Uzodimma stressed that the Golden Jubilee celebration reflects the unity of the Imo people beyond religious or ethnic differences, describing the State as one family under God.
He invited citizens to actively participate in activities lined up for the anniversary, including an online Imo@50 quiz competition, and the recognition of 50 outstanding indigenes and friends of Imo State at the grand finale of the celebration, which will hold on Saturday, February 7.
The Governor prayed for continued divine guidance, peace and prosperity for Imo State and Nigeria as the anniversary celebrations progresses.
Delivering a homily, the Bishop of Methodist Church, Owerri, The Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Uzochukwu Kanu who tagged his message, “Oh that Imo may praise the Lord,” described the event as a “Year of Jubilee,” for Imo State, calling for freedom for the oppressed, mercy for detainees held over minor offences, and renewed commitment to good governance.
He reflected on Imo State’s journey since 1976, acknowledging past socio-economic and security challenges, praising God for recent improvements, particularly in the area of security and infrastructural development.
The cleric commended the State leadership under Governor Uzodimma for championing good governance and promoting religious harmony.
He then prayed for the removal of all “iron bars” limiting the progress of Imo State, both from within and outside, declaring divine victory over insecurity and adversity.
To Imolites, Bishop Kanu urged them to praise God continually for His goodness, and to remain hopeful for greater progress in the years ahead.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the leader of Imo State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Uzoma Uzoeshi, reminded Imolites that they are celebrating “50 years of blessings: God’s faithfulness and goodness in Imo State.”
His words: “We give thanks for God’s guidance, protection, and blessings on Imo State. Fifty years ago, God brought Imo State into being, and He has been faithful. From fertile lands to industrious people, from rich cultural heritage to growing entrepreneurship – we’ve seen God’s goodness. We’ve experienced God’s faithfulness in peace, progress, and the resilience of our people. We’ve seen blessings in agriculture, education, healthcare, oil and gas sector, culture, and spiritual growth.”
He added: “As a predominantly Christian State, Imo has been blessed with vibrant churches, impactful ministries, spiritual growth, and a strong Christian presence that shapes our values and contributes to societal harmony. The Christian faith has brought transformation, promoting love, compassion, and service. Churches have been pillars of hope, contributing to education, healthcare, and community development.”
The event attracted the presence of dignitaries from all walks of life, including the wife of the Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma.
From the clergy and religious were representatives of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches and Evangelical Church Winning All.
The political class included National Assembly members like Senators Osita Izunazo, Patrick Ndubueze and Ezenwa Onyewuchi, and others like Rt. Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, Rt Hon. Chike Okafor, Rt. Hon Miriam Onuoha, Rt. Hon Canice Moore Nwachukwu among others.
The Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe and his colleagues turned out in their numbers for the event.
Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and his wife, Ambassador designate Chioma, former Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso were in attendance.
Serving and former members of the Federal Executive Council notably, the Minister of Finance (State), Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and Chief Henry Ikoh, former Minister of Science and Technology (State), as well as serving and former members of the Imo State Executive Council, were also present.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership at the Federal and State levels also had strong showing at the event with the Deputy National Chairman South, Chief Emma Enukwu leading those from the Centre while the current Imo State APC Chairman, Dr. MacDonald Ebere and his immediate predecessor, Chief Malcolm Nlemigbo, came with his team across the 27 local government areas of Imo State.
From the traditional institution, the Chairman Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers/Chairman South East Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze EC Okeke and the Co-Chairman of Southern Traditional Rulers Council/ Chairman, Imo State Elders Council, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya led other ranking monarchs and the elderly from the State to grace the Thanksgiving Service.
Also, the faces representing the business circle were too numerous.
They included but not limited to the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of South East Development Commission, Chief Mark Okoye, Chief Tony Chukwu, Chief Charles Amadi, Chief Henry Amadi, Chief Charles Ahize, Prince Alex Mbata, Chief Jude Ejiogu, Evangelist Mike Ikokwu, among others.
The 27 Local Government Council Chairmen with their councilors, supervisory Councillors and Secretary to Local Government, were ably led by the Chairman of ALGON in Imo State, Engr. Ikenna Adikibe, just as the women, youth other groups within and outside Imo turned up in their numbers.
