Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has urged members of the Christian Association of Nigeria to include President Bola Tinubu’s administration in their prayers.
Uzodimma delivered the appeal at the CAN Secretariat in Owerri during the commencement of the rice distribution ceremony to the five South East States on Tuesday.
The governor expressed gratitude for the divine grace that enabled the people to overcome the challenges of 2023, and he anticipates a more promising 2024.
He recollected that on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu initiated reforms aimed at economic recovery, alleviating hardships, strengthening the Naira, fostering economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and overall revitalizing Nigeria.
“Though some of those policies came with initial pains, like the high cost of items in the market, the policies are meant to address these pains.
“Towards the end of last year, the Federal and state governments distributed palliative materials in Imo state, doing their best to send the materials to the nooks and crannies of the state. 80 per cent of people living in the South East are Christians, and so Christmas celebration is taken as a solemn festival,” he said.
The governor, conveying the President’s dedication to the people’s well-being, underscored the importance of offering relief and assistance to citizens, especially during the festive season.
He clarified that the truckloads of rice flagged off for distribution were not from the State or Federal Government but personal contributions from President Tinubu as gifts to Christians in the South East.
The governor collaborated with Imo State CAN to ensure a smooth distribution process, given that all Christians in the region are affiliated with CAN.
He further mentioned that the Imo State Government would support CAN with logistical assistance to transport the rice to all South East States, including Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo.
During his welcome address, the CAN Chairman in Imo, Rev. Eches Eches, commended President Tinubu’s initiatives in addressing the welfare needs of the people.
He also described Uzodimma as “a caring lover of God and mankind, who promotes the interests of Igbo people on the national stage.”
Eches also praised Uzodimma’s dedication to uplifting the Christian community in Imo State.
According to reports, the five CAN Chairmen of the South East States presented him with an African Study Bible as a gesture of appreciation for the Governor’s ongoing efforts on behalf of the people and the Church.