L-R: Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Catholic Diocese, Dr.Thomas Obiatuegwu, Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Dr. Lucius Ugorji, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Bishop of Orlu Catholic Diocese, Dr. Augustine Ukwuoma and Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru during a Special 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service held at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri on September 27, 2026..
By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, have called on Nigerians to promote national unity, integrity and personal responsibility as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
They made the call on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at a special Thanksgiving and Eucharistic Service held at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to commemorate Nigeria’s independence.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960, Uzodimma said the country had survived the civil war, military rule, economic difficulties and political crises, stressing that the sacrifices of millions of Nigerians had contributed to keeping the nation together.
“Nigeria at 66 is our country. It belongs to all of us,” the governor said, urging citizens to look beyond government and contribute to nation-building through responsible conduct.
Uzodimma acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting families and businesses, saying government had a responsibility to ensure that the sacrifices of citizens translated into meaningful improvements in their lives.
The governor, who stressed that “leadership begins at home,” urged Nigerians to obey the law, reject dishonesty and manage entrusted resources with integrity wherever they find themselves in positions of responsibility.
He noted that it was contradictory for citizens to condemn wrongdoing by public officials while engaging in similar or worse conduct in their families, communities, churches and other institutions.
In his homily, Archbishop Ugorji identified corruption, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, inadequate electricity supply and weak institutions as some of the major challenges confronting national development.
He, however, commended the Uzodimma administration for its infrastructural development efforts, particularly the Orashi electricity power supply project in the state.
Quoting Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” Ugorji urged Nigerians to embrace honesty, accountability, fairness and merit.
“If we want a new Nigeria, we must become new Nigerians,” the archbishop declared, while calling for national unity, credible elections and an end to ethnic and religious divisions.
The thanksgiving service was attended by Catholic bishops, members of the clergy from different denominations, political leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, security chiefs, business leaders and other stakeholders.
Among those present were the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Ukwuoma; Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Solomon Amatu; Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Obiatuegwu; and a representative of the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, and her husband, Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN); Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Ijeoma Aguguo; Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe; his deputy, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu; and President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Mr. Victor Okorie.
Others included APC State Chairman, Austin Onyedebelu; former Deputy Governors of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku and Chief Jude Agbaso; Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu; members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council; service commanders and heads of security agencies.
Traditional rulers at the event included the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman of the South-East Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Dr. Emmanuel Okeke; the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, HRM Benjamin Ikenchukwu (Keagborekuzi I); and Chairman of the Imo Elders Council and Co-Chair of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya.
Local government chairmen, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, captains of industry led by Chief Tony Chukwu, other Imo leaders and Christian faithful also attended the service.
