GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Uzodimma renews marriage vow with wife, Chioma

…He is an amiable man, say Sanwo- Olu

All roads led to Government House Owerri in Imo State, Friday, as Governor Hope Uzodimma who is Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum as well as Chairman of South East Governors Forum took his wife, Chioma, to the alter to renew the vow of their 10 year old marriage.

It was an event that attracted dignatories from within and outside Imo State, including the Governors of Edo State, Monday Okpehbolo, Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Ayedetiwa and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

Also in attendance were the wives of the Governors of Delta State, Ebonyi State, and that of the former Governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described Governor Uzodimma as “an amiable man and one of Nigeria’s cerebral politicians, finest leaders, and political juggernaut who knows how to put things in order.”

At the Thanksgiving Service held at Government House Chapel Owerri and conducted by the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, His Grace,Most Rev Augustine Ukwuoma and a galaxy of other priests from other denominations, Governor Uzodimma said that his marriage to Chioma has brought fulfilment in his life hence the need to appreciate God in a thanksgiving.

The Governor said that Chioma has worked hard to fulfil the biblical injunction that wives should submit to their husbands and that her wife could also testify that on his part as the husband, he has loved her the way he is expected to.

Governor Uzodimma said despite all the challenges from all corners, including political distractions that most often tended to keep him away from his wife and the home front as due to politics, Chioma has remained a pillar of support and unwavering in her belief in their marriage, hence the need to thank God for her tolerance and accommodation.

He described marriage as challenging and expressed gratitude to God for his goodness, mercy, guidance and directions that have propelled his person to success.

He expressed happiness that they were able to renew their marriage in love and promised to same in the next 10 years.

Though Governor Uzodimma recalled the initial challenges he faced as he took over the reins of power in Imo State in 2020, he said it is a thing of joy and gratitude to God that even those who never gave him a chance are, today, beginning to see the hand of God in his emergence as Governor.

He was full of appreciation to God that “today Imo State is looking different and the narrative has changed.”

His words: “All sectors have been attended to, the broken down infrastructure is been repaid as the saboteurs and those sitting on the fence are joining the government having seen the positive changes recorded by my administration.”

Finally, he thanked all those who came in solidarity with him and the wife and wished them, not just a happy 2025, but prayed God for a safe return back to their respective places of abode for coming to support them, their family and their marriage.

In his homily, the Chief Celebrant, the Most Revd. (Dr) Augustine Ukwuoma, the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese said that time is a precious gift from God to his people, noting that “what is important is how we spend this precious gift given to us.”

He said that God gave us time to use and apply it responsibly, and warned people not to waste their time unnecessarily, noting that “when properly used one will enjoy it, if not it will be a waste and we will regret it hence the need to use our time meaningfully to achieve something good.”

Again, he emphasised that “as Christians we should use our time to worship, praise God and bless humanity because at the end of the day we will give account of how we used the time given to us.”

He commended the Governor for deeming it wise to return thanks to God for preserving their marriage and for the renewal of the marriage vow, adding that “you don’t owe God anything but gratitude as Hope and Chioma have shown on this day, Friday 3rd of January, 2025.”

The Marriage renewal thanksgiving Ceremony was witnessed by the Archbishop of Owerri Metropolitan, the Most Revd. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, represented by Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Njoku, the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, the Most Revd. Dr. Thomas Obiatuegwu, the Bishop of Owerri Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Chukwuma Opara, the Chairman CAN Imo State, Rev. Dr. Eches Divine Eches and many of other clergymen too numerous to mention.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who proposed the toast said that Governor Uzodimma is an amicable man who is full of life, passionate about his people, State, country, family, and extremely committed in whatever he does.

He said he was not surprised that Governor Uzodimma is transforming Imo State because of the support he enjoys from his wife.

Apart from the Governors, Senator Adams Oshiomole, Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Patrick Ndubueze and Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi were in attendance, and the members of the Federal House of Representatives- Akarachi Amadi, Emeka Chinedu, Cannice Moore Nwachukwu, Princess Miriam Onuoha, Eugenia Dibiagwu.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and the husband, Chukwuma, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Head of Service Imo State, Mrs. Chikodi Emenalom (Mni), the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie and members of the Imo State expanded Executive Council.

Also present were Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, retired Hon. Justice Mary Odili, the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Chief Uche Nnaji, former Governors of Imo State Ikedi Ohakim and Sen Ike Nkwachukwu, former deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku and the wife, Bola, high ranking traditional rulers, APC leaders such as the Deputy National Chairman South, Chief Emma Enukwu, the South East National Vice Chairman, Dr. Ijoma Arodiogbu, the APC State Chairman, Sir Macdonald Ebere and business moguls like Chief Tony Chukwu, among others.

President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, his Secretary, Ambassador Okey Emuchay and other key figures in the body were present.

Governor Uzodimma’s in-laws could not hide their joy as they put up appreciable presence at the event.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor
January 3, 2025.

Photo: Governor Hope Uzodimma and Wife, Chioma, during thanksgiving at Government House Chapel Owerri Friday as they renew their marriage after 10 years of wedding.