BY EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma has called on the Nigerian strongmen to make it a point of duty to care for the weak in their midst just as he urged the rich to show benevolence to the poor.
Speaking at St. Lima of Rose Catholic Parish, Ozuh Omuma in Orlu Diocese, in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, the Governor also insisted that the privileged Nigerians should take delight in showing love to the less privileged who may not have the capacity to repay them for their good deeds.
“Let us take advantage of the season to show love to our neighbors and people around us irrespective of religious, political party, and ethnic coloration. Let love lead us in Imo State, Communities, Local Governments, and the country at large, and when we do this, the Egyptians we saw yesterday, we shall see no more.”
Governor Uzodimma’s advice coincided with the homily by the Bishop of Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese, His Eminence Peter (Cardinal) Okpaleke, who reminded the Christian faithful, and all men of goodwill, that service to the people in whatever position they find themselves is tantamount to fulfilling the reason for the gift of Jesus Christ to mankind as Lord and Saviour by God.
The Governor thanked God for making it possible for Imolites, in particular, and Nigerians, in general, to witness another Christmas season, insisting that Christians should emulate the principles of love and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ and strive to be their brothers’ keepers.
Governor Uzodimma, who maintained that Christ’s birth was a demonstration of unparalleled love and compassion, noted that throughout his life’s journey, Jesus Christ went about doing good because of the love he had for everyone regardless of their social status.
The Governor used the opportunity to regret the death of those who lost their lives at Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija, respectively, during the occasion of the well-intended charity of giving to the less privileged aligns with the Christmas season; also sympathized with their families and prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased.
He, however, said that the incidents that unfortunately turned tragic should not deter people from doing good and engaging in acts of charity and compassion, even as he commended the efforts of the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring that there is food security in Nigeria.
The Governor reiterated his determination to continue to work in the interest of the people by ensuring that all sectors are given the proper attention they deserve.
He insisted that his 3R Shared Prosperity Government is already on top of the situation of making the welfare of the people its top priority as can be seen from the joyous mood of civil servants and pensioners this season.
Leveraging from the homily of His Eminence, the Governor said that the current hunger in Nigeria is also experienced all over the world due to the war in Ukraine and Russia and that of Palestine and Israel who are the major suppliers of food to the whole world including Nigeria.
The Governor said what is required of Nigerian citizens is to join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his policies in agriculture and livestock production where he has budgeted large sums of money to ensure food security and sufficiency for Nigeria people.
“We should now join hands with Mr. President to produce what we eat and eat what we produce.”
The Governor informed that his administration is focused on caring for the people’s welfare through good roads, agriculture, healthcare, and education and enjoined all to continue to support the 3R administration.
“I give God all the glory for keeping us alive to witness another year of the commemoration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For those who have departed before today, I pray for the repose of their souls.
“I also wish to use this opportunity to once more sympathize with those who lost their lives during the sharing of food in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija. It is most unfortunate that these acts of charity turned tragic.
“But because it was a good cause that turned sour, we should not be deterred from doing good or engaging in acts of compassion, which is what Christmas represents in its entirety.
“Our Lord, Jesus Christ, agreed to be born for our salvation. That was an act of unparalleled love and compassion. Throughout His earthly journey, He went about doing good, performing miracles, healing the sick, offering hope to the hopeless, and feeding the hungry.
“When we celebrate Christmas, we are to emulate the virtues of love and compassion exemplified by Him, who came to the world to save mankind. We must be our brothers’ keepers by ensuring that the strong care for the weak. This is the message we should take home this Christmas: Let the strong show compassion to the weak and the rich benevolence to the poor.
“As a government, we shall continue to strengthen all the institutions of the state to ensure the well-being of the citizenry. The goal of our 3R administration is nothing but making life easier for the people.
“When we build roads and other infrastructure, we care for the people. When we intervene in health, education, agriculture, or social welfare, we do it for the people. I am happier today that our civil servants and pensioners are happy.
“The joy of the season is the love showered on us by God. This love, exemplified in His total submission to be our Redeemer, should be translated into our relationship with others. We should show that same love, especially to the less privileged who may never be able to repay us for our deeds.
“As we celebrate this year’s Christmas, I urge all Imo people and, indeed, Nigerians to show love to one another irrespective of our political or religious affiliation. We should appreciate the efforts of the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in repositioning the economy, especially in ensuring food security in Nigeria.
“Let love lead us this Christmas. Let us shower love on our neighbors, our state, and our country.
“I wish all of us a love-filled Christmas.
In his homily, Cardinal Okpalaeke said Christians should open their hearts to the divine heart of God following the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who was sent for our Salvation.
He highlighted the hunger in the land that has led to the loss of lives and the problem of Nigeria compounded by insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
However, Cardinal Okpalaeke assuaged the people’s fear when he encouraged all that there are challenges everywhere and that the coming of Christ is the solution to all, noting that “whatever we do to our neighbor is done to Christ.”
Cardinal Okpaleke, however, urged the government to do more to meet the needs of the people by prioritizing its programs, as doing so will be in sync with what the coming of Jesus Christ depicts.
He said that the Church will continue to pray for those in positions of authority to discharge their duties in ways that the love Jesus Christ brought to the world will not be in vain.
