By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

In a renewed commitment to religious harmony, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has assured continued government support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages.

The Governor made this pledge while receiving the Chairman and Commissioners of the National Hajj Commission in his office on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Governor Uzodimma emphasized the importance of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among people of diverse faiths, stating that his administration remains dedicated to fostering religious unity.

He noted that love for God and humanity is central to all religions and should be upheld as a guiding principle by both Christians and Muslims.

Significantly, the visit coincided with a period of fasting observed by both religious groups, a moment the Governor described as a divine coincidence.

"It is a thing of joy that you have chosen today to visit the Governor of Imo State. As a leader, my interest is to encourage religious harmony, where Christians and Muslims coexist as brothers and sisters while prioritizing the interests of our country, irrespective of religious or political affiliations. Today marks Ash Wednesday for Christians (Catholics), and it is also a fasting period for Muslims worldwide," he stated.

As part of efforts to strengthen interfaith relations, Governor Uzodimma announced plans for a communal breaking of the fast at the Government House.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, commended the Governor for his commitment to religious peace and infrastructural development in Imo State. He briefed the Governor on preparations for the 2025 Hajj, noting that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had finalized plans to receive over 700,000 pilgrims.

Following the meeting, Governor Uzodimma inaugurated the Imo State Muslim Hajj Board and the 2025 Amir Hajj team at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers, Government House. He urged the newly appointed officials to uphold honesty and transparency in their duties.

"If you are a religious leader, lead by example, whether Christian or Muslim. Do not engage in fraudulent activities. Ensure that sponsored Hajj slots are allocated to deserving individuals, particularly the less privileged,"the Governor admonished.

Reflecting on his administration?s efforts since 2020, Uzodimma highlighted significant strides in promoting harmonious coexistence, despite initial challenges. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all residents of Imo State, regardless of religious, ethnic, or political backgrounds, live in unity.

In his response, HRH Alhaji Auwal Suleiman, Chairman of the 2025 Hajj Board, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his inclusive leadership. He acknowledged that since taking office, the Governor has consistently sponsored Muslims for Hajj, with 200 slots approved for 2025 to support those who otherwise could not afford the pilgrimage.

He assured that the Board would ensure fairness in the allocation of the slots.

According to the statement by Oguwike Nwachuku Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the event was attended by key government officials, including Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, Secretary to the State Government Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, and other members of the expanded State Executive Council.

? Governor Uzodimma in a group photograph with the NAHCON delegation

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