Governor Hope Uzodimma has lauded the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, Most Rev. Dr. Solomon Amanchukwu Amatu as “a man of vision, courage and compassion” as the Clergy marks his 25th year of bishoprics.

Speaking at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Okigwe,Tuesday, the Governor said the bishop’s impact on the young Diocese - created in 2006 - has been transformative, citing growth in priesthood and laity.

“He inherited a young Diocese but has built, and built, and is still building,” Uzodimma noted.

The Governor emphasised the importance of synergy between Government and the Church, calling it “the baptismal name for development," adding that "peace, faith and collective effort remain essential for societal progress."

Declaring that he remains an unapologetic member of the Catholic faith, the Governor stressed that the Government would continue to partner with the Church in promoting welfare and development.

Uzodimma challenged the faithful from the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe and others who hold God in high esteem to join hands with Bishop Amatu to complete the intimidating house of God still under construction.

"You can't live in a completed and marble house and leave God's Sanctuary uncompleted," he said, and praised the doggedness of Bishop Amatu in the ongoing work at the Cathedral.

Urging Nigerians to strengthen collaboration and faith-driven development, Uzodimma who said there is no alternative to God, predicted that Pope Leo XIV will inaugurate the Cathedral in line with the desire of Bishop Amatu.

Delivering his homily, the Bishop of Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Ebele Cardinal Okpalaeke reflected on the biblical call of Simon Peter, reminding the audience that discipleship requires a personal encounter with Jesus as well as total dedication.

He warned against partial commitment, likening it to the story of Ananias and Sapphira, and criticised tendencies among Clergy and Laity to prioritize personal interests over their calling.

The Cardinal commended Bishop Amatu as a model of steadfast service, describing him as one who has "left everything to follow Christ."

He then urged the faithful to emulate such dedication in their daily lives.

The celebrant took time to appreciate Governor Uzodimma for his love for the Okigwe Diocese and also thanked his colleagues working in the Lord's vineyard and other numerous guests for coming to celebrate with him.

Earlier, a good will message from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV to Bishop Amatu was read before the congregation.

Also, former INEC Chairman and the first Vice Chairman, Okigwe Diocesan Pastoral Council, Prof Maurice Iwu, took time to highlight his personal relationship with Bishop Amatu before the congregation, particularly the things he found unique about the celebrant, describing Bishop Amatu's humility as second to none.

The event featured the unveiling of the book - Footprints...... Essays in Honour of the 75th Birthday of Solomon Amanchukwu Amatu.

The Silver Jubilee celebration attracted numerous Catholic Bishops, members of the Clergy, the Religious and Laity; the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe, Senators, and other members of the State and Federal Legislative Houses.

Others are Local Government Areas Chairmen, traditional rulers, political office holders, stakeholders and members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council.

•PHOTO, From left: Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Ebele Cardinal Okpaleke, the celebrant and Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Solomon Amatu, and other bishops during the 25th anniversary of Bishop Amatu's episcopacy at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Okigwe... Tuesday

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