Governor Hope Uzodimma has attributed the reduction in criminality in Imo State to sustained prayers and spiritual intervention.
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 insecurity.
“The answer to the solution is prayers. Let us join hands and pray,” he recalled being advised by a cleric during a visit to his office.
Uzodimma said after the second batch of pilgrims returned, “criminalities have almost averted. I did not do any other magic apart from seeking the face of God. God answered the prayers and the jungle stopped.”
He pledged to continue sponsoring pilgrimages, noting that the 2025 exercise recorded “great improvement” compared to 2024.
The governor stressed that democracy goes beyond infrastructure. “It’s not about roads or construction alone. The moral component and our attitude matter,” he said.
He called for unity and political harmony in the State; while warning against violence and self-help especially as the APC concluded its ward and Local Government congresses. “No room for self-help. When it is your time, no man can stop it,” he added.
Governor Hope Uzodimma who was honoured by the Scout Movement of Nigeria, Orlu Recreation Club and the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, congratulated the Scout movement for promoting inclusivity, noting it had evolved from Boys Scout to accommodate girls. He also commended the Orlu Recreation Club for fostering engagement and community participation through its activities.
The Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Bishop Tunde Adegbite, lauded Governor Hope 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.
Earlier in his homily, the Chaplain of Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. 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.
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. 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 and other members of the State Executive Council, Federal Commissioners of NCPC, traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, among others.
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