GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Uzodimma: We’ll continue to support Christians, Muslims on Holy Pilgrimage

….Receives National Hajj Commission, inaugurates Imo State Muslin Hajj Board

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has sued for understanding and tolerance among people of diverse cultures and creed in order to ensure peaceful co-existence in the State and the Nation at large.

The Governor brought this to bear when he received the Chairman and Commissioners of National Hajj Commission in his office on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

He related that his administration places premium on promoting religious harmony in the State, pointing out that the tenet of every religion revolves around love for God and mankind and as such, “must be the guiding principles for Muslim and Christian faithful alike.”

The Governor pointed out that the visit of the National Hajj Commission was significant, as Muslims and Christians, especially Catholics all over the world, are observing their holy period.

“it is today you chose to visit the Governor of Imo State. It is a thing of joy because as a Governor, part of my interest is to encourage religious harmony where Christians and Muslims live as brothers and sisters, and to put the interest of our country first irrespective of religious or political affiliations. It is a wonderful coincidence created by God. Today is Ash Wednesday, Christians (Catholics) all over the world resumed their fasting; Muslims all over the world are also fasting,” he observed.

He promised that both Christians and Muslims will break their fast in Government House to showcase and encourage religious harmony.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman National Hajj Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman said that they were in Imo State to brief the Governor on the preparation for the 2025 Amir Hajj.

He related that the Hajj Affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has concluded preparations to receive over 700,000 participants for the 2025 Hajj in Mecca.

Prof. Usman commended Governor Uzodimma for the sustained peace among religious groups and tribes resident in Imo as well as the humongous infrastructural development in the State.

Subsequently, Governor Uzodimma inaugurated Chairman and members of Imo State Muslim Hajj Board and the 2025 Amir Hajj and members, at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers Government House.

During the inauguration, he enjoined them to be honest in the discharge of their duties and hold the positions entrusted to them with the fear of God.

His words: “If you are a religious leader lead by example whether Christian or Muslim. Don’t be fraudulent in your activities. Ensure that the sponsored Hajj slots get to those deserving them, especially the less privilege.”

Uzodimma recalled that since his assumption of office in 2020 the uppermost in his agenda has been to promote harmonious coexistence in Imo State where everybody will see himself/herself as brothers and sisters irrespective of religious, tribal or political affiliations.

He noted that despite the initial challenges, the State has been able to record huge success in enthroning peace and harmony among residents.

Responding on behalf of the Board/2025 Amir Hajj, the Chairman of the 2025 Hajj, HRH Alhaji Auwal Suleiman expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for the honour done them and for carrying the Muslim community along in the scheme of things of his administration.

He noted that the Governor, since inception of his administration, has sponsored Muslims to participate in Hajj exercises and in 2025 approved 200 slots to put smiles on the faces of faithful Muslims who could not afford the holy pilgrimage.

He assured that the Board members will ensure fairness in allocating the slots to those it is meant for.

Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the Imo State expanded executive Council, among others witnessed both events.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser , Media to the Governor
March 5, 2025.