By Esther Ibe, Owerri
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has hailed the Spiritual Director of Zion Church Ministries Worldwide, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Obi over the successful holding of a three-day Crusade at Ngor Okpala area of the state.
Uzodinma spoke during on Monday at the Government House Owerri when Ebuka Obi paid a thank you visit to the governor over the successful crusade which attracted participants from different parts of the world.
He expressed happiness that the man of God visited him, noting that “the coming of the Zion Church Worldwide to Imo State comes with a lot of advantages.”
He said: “It will bring a lot of economic development and increase the dire need to make Imo a tourism hub for the South East and Nigeria in general.
“The programme at Ngor Okpala has further showcased the State to the whole world that Imo is safe and secured.”
While encouraging the Evangelist Obi to remain steadfast in his calling, despite the challenges he must be facing, the Governor assured him of government’s support to realise his dream of coming to Imo State.
He said: “Let me tell you that you are not alone. You must bear in mind that every profession goes with envy. Don’t envisage any problem. I can assure you and your team that I will talk to everyone in Imo State to understand that we need the presence of Ebuka Obi and his Ministry.
“Imo needs the Ministry in the State and we will get the people to support you and your Ministry.”
Governor Uzodimma who expressed joy to be Evangelist Obi’s landlord said it is even heartwarming hearing that the celebrated Prophet, worldwide, hails from Imo State, adding, “Imo will queue behind him.”
“The State is looking for a day when that place will be developed economically, socially, educationally and otherwise like Elele in Rivers State, resulting from the works of Fr. Edeh,” the Governor noted.
Earlier in his speech, Ebuka Obi commended Governor Uzodimma for his administration’s efforts in the protection of lives and property in Imo, affirming that the State is save and secure.
He said: said: “I have come to appreciate you, Your Excellency. People were eager to see you at the crusade to thank you. The white visitors were confident and happy about the security situation. Everyone felt secure and at home. I therefore want to tell you that Imo is safe and secure.”
He said no less than three million persons attended the crusade in what he described as the largest since he started holding such crusades in the country.
Explaining that he was happy to have visited the Governor with his principle officers to appreciate him for his support and that of the Government of Imo State, Evangelist Obi emphasised that “over three million people attended the programme considered as the largest of such in the whole of the South East and no bad news of insecurity was recorded.”
He added: “Everybody was happy and people re-established their confidence in the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma in the State. It is a milestone that has further positively marketed Imo State to the outside world.”
The highlight of the visit was the offering of prayer and blessing to Government House Staff who came around to welcome and bid him farewell.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Imo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Dr. Macdonald Ebere and other members of the State expanded Executive Council joined the Governor in receiving Evangelist Obi and his entourage.