Governor Hope Uzodimma has told the people of Okigwe Zone that God had intervened in the insecurity situation in the area, assuring them that the peace and tranquility that eluded the Zone over the past four years had been taken care of through God’s intervention.
Governor Uzodimma spoke Sunday, January 18, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Okigwe while paying tribute at the one year remembrance Thanksgiving Service in honour of late Chief Edwin Mbonu, husband of Lady Nkechi Mbonu, Chairman of the Okigwe Local Government Council.
Governor Uzodimma extolled the resilience of the Mbonu family and the unity of the community in the face of adversity, and described Chief Mbonu as a remarkable individual whose impact resonated deeply within the community.
He also commended the wife, Lady Mbonu, for her strength and resilience during the challenging time, reassuring the parishioners that God had intervened concerning their tormentors.
“The Egyptians you saw yesterday, you will see them no more,” he said.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the entire Diocese of Okigwe for their ongoing support and guidance through prayers.
He also acknowledged the presence of Okigwe leaders and citizens at the Service, thanking them for their unity despite prevailing challenges.
He reassured the congregation that continuous divine guidance was being sought for the community’s concerns, particularly regarding governance and security issues, highlighting the visible improvements that have begun to take shape.
The Service also included special prayers for the bereaved family, seeking strength and comfort in their time of loss.
The Governor encouraged community members to come together to rebuild and invest in development, especially in supporting the house of God, noting that the best investment one can embark on should be the investment in the House of God. “Learn to give to God so that He will be debtor,” Governor Uzodimma said.
In his usual characteristics of sowing on fertile ground, Governor Uzodimma committed N50 million to the work of the Catholic priests in Okigwe Diocese as well as to the plans for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Episcopacy of Most Rev Dr Solomon Amatu in April 28 this year, praying for God’s continued blessings and guidance in His ministry.
In his homily, the Bishop of Okigwe Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Solomon Amatu, emphasised the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, particularly on moral and family values, stressing that God has made it clear that life should be respected from conception to death, and that those who go against this principle will be held accountable.
He urged individuals, especially those in positions of power, not to support laws or actions that contradict God’s will, stressing that “whatever one does in life must be accounted for before God on the last day.”
The Bishop encouraged Christians to have confidence in their faith and stand up for what they believe in, even if when it is challenging.
He drew from biblical teachings, emphasising the need for believers to live like the “Lamb of God,” leading pure, innocent, humble, and selfless lives.
The Service witnessed the attendance of political and business dignitaries; members of the State and Federal legislators, Imo State government officials, stakeholders of the State, Church leaders, traditional rulers and citizens from Okigwe zone.
