Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, has called on residents and indigenes to respect constituted authority, safeguard public assets, and embrace responsible citizenship to sustain the State's development.

He said good citizenship is an attitude every resident and indigene of Imo State must embrace with faith.

Uzodimma spoke Sunday, June 28, 2026 at the end of Mass held at Government House Chapel, Owerri where he lamented the willful destruction, and illegal occupation of government property, describing such acts as a major setback to development.

"Our attitude is important," Uzodimma said, stressing that citizens must cultivate respect for public infrastructure and desist from encroaching on government land.

He noted that huge public funds have been invested in roads and other facilities, but that some individuals deliberately resort to damaging or misusing them.

The Governor also urged politicians and citizens alike to place the collective interest of Imo State above personal ambitions.

"For you to be a politician, you must first be a citizen of Nigeria. Separate our common interest from your personal interest," he said.

Uzodimma reaffirmed his administration's commitment to transparency and equitable development, insisting that Owerri belongs to all Imo people as the capital and should be preserved as the State's common heritage.

He further encouraged those with political aspirations to trust God's timing, urging them not to lose hope when their ambitions are not immediately realized or delayed, but to continue supporting the government and praying for the progress of Imo State.

Earlier in his homily, the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. Prof. Gilbert Alaribe, called on Christians to embrace the true cost of discipleship by living lives of sacrifice, generosity and unwavering faith, stressing that genuine love for God and humanity always comes at a price.

Rev. Alaribe reflected on the Gospel of the day, reminding the faithful that following Jesus Christ demands complete commitment and self-denial.

Quoting the words of Jesus, he said, "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."

He explained that authentic love, whether in marriage, family life or Christian service, inevitably involves sacrifice and selflessness.

The Chaplin added: "There can be no genuine love without a price to pay. If you try to preserve your life by living only for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give your life in service to God and to others, you will truly find it."

Drawing from the first reading on the Shunammite woman, the priest commended the couple's generosity in welcoming the Prophet Elisha, a stranger, into their home without expecting any reward.

He urged Christians to cultivate resilient faith even in difficult times, noting that the Shunammite couple remained steadfast despite years of childlessness and later the death of their son before God restored him through the prayers of Elisha.

The cleric concluded with a call for believers to imitate Christ's sacrificial love and pray for the grace to remain faithful.

The wife of the Governor, Barr (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe and other members of the House of Assembly, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, serving and former APC National and State chieftains and other members, traditional rulers, business moguls and members of the State Expanded Executive Council worshipped with the Governor.

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