Why I decided to sponsor more Christians on pilgrimage to Israel, by Uzodimma

Photo: Governor Hope Uzodimma receives the award plaque as Ambassador of Pilgrimage in Nigeria from the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Bishop Prof. Tunde Adegbite at the Government House Chapel Owerri… Sunday

Governor Hope Uzodimma has attributed the reduction in criminal activities in Imo State to spiritual intervention based on  God’s intervention on sustained prayers.

Speaking after a Church Service on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the Government House Chapel Owerri, the Governor said the decision to sponsor more Christians on pilgrimage to Israel in 2024 was inspired by a call to seek God’s face over rising insecurity and criminality in Imo State.

“The answer to the solution is prayers. Let us join hands therefore and pray,” Uzodimma recalled being advised by a popular Pentecostal cleric during a visit to his office.

“After the second batch of pilgrims had returned in 2024, criminalities in the State were almost averted. I did not do any other magic apart from continuing to seek the face of God. God answered the prayers and the crimes stopped.”

He therefore pledged to continue sponsoring pilgrimages, noting that “the 2025 exercise recorded great improvement compared to 2024.”

The Governor also stressed that democracy goes beyond infrastructure. “It’s not about roads or construction alone. The moral component and our attitude are the intangibles that matter,” he said.

He called for unity and political harmony in Imo State; while  warning against violence and self-help especially as the APC just concluded its Ward and Local Government Congresses. “No room for self-help. When it is your time, no man can stop it,” he added.

During the Service, Governor Uzodimma was honoured by the Scout Movement of Nigeria, Orlu Recreation Club and the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission.

He congratulated the Scout movement for promoting inclusivity, noting that it had evolved from Boys Scout to accommodate girls.

He was eventually decorated as the Grand Patron of the Scout Movement of Nigeria by its leadership, including the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon Justice Ijeoma Agugua, Chief Lemmy Akakem, HRH Eze Reginald Amadi of Nguru Nwenkwo, among others.

Uzodimma has commended the Orlu Recreation Club for fostering engagement and community participation through its activities; the reason they won and still are winning laurels from sporting activities.

The Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Bishop Prof.Tunde Adegbite, lauded Governor Uzodimma for his unwavering support for Christian pilgrimages, describing his leadership as “fantastic” and worthy of celebration.

He maintained that “the Governor’s impact transcends the shores of the State and deserves national commendation.”

Adegbite who came with his executive members said Governor Uzodimma has for years now consistently placed Imo State on the first position in terms of sponsorship of pilgrims to Israel, shockingly overtaking his State, Lagos.

He then bestowed on the Governor the award of Ambassador of Pilgrimage in Nigeria as a mark of respect and encouragement.

Earlier in his homily, the Chaplain of Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. Prof. Gilbert Alaribe enjoined Christians to make choices that will yield positive results and create good impact in the lives of people.

He stressed that the choices we make today will either bring blessings or destruction to society.

Fr. Alaribe commended Governor Uzodimma for his magnanimity in sponsoring 1,000 Pilgrims to the Holy Land in 2025 and encouraged the beneficiaries to translate the import of the experience to bear in the State, their homes and personal lifestyle.

The beneficiaries of the 2025 Christian pilgrimage came in their numbers to thank God for the great experience and to appreciate the Governor for offering them the opportunity to visit the Holy sites in Israel and Jordan where they offered prayers for the State.

Present at the Church Service were members of the clergy and religious, the Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua, some members of the National Assembly, the Deputy Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, the Deputy National Chairman of APC, Chief Emma Enukwu, former Governor of the State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, former Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie and other members of the State Expanded Executive Council, Federal Commissioners, traditional rulers, captains of industries, heads of security agencies, among others.