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The Imo State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, has described the sponsorship of 1,000 Imo citizens for the 2025 pilgrimage to Jordan and Israel by Governor Sen. Hope Uzodimma as a powerful act of leadership rooted in faith and compassion.
Speaking from the historic site where John the Baptist was beheaded for telling the truth, Hon. Onyeocha said the spiritual experience left a deep impression on him and many other pilgrims, stressing that the governor’s initiative reflects his belief in the power of prayer and divine guidance.
According to him, the gesture goes beyond mere sponsorship: it is a bold statement on the governor’s desire to lead Imo State with both a physical and spiritual vision.
“This trip opened my eyes to the governor’s genuine commitment to God and people,” Onyeocha said. “From the moment we departed Imo airport until we arrived in Jordan, everything was organized to perfection: accommodation, meals and visits to sacred sites. It takes a rare type of leader to invest so much in the spiritual well-being of his people.”
He lauded the coordination of the group of pilgrims led by Rev. Fr. Prof. Gilbert Alaribe, describing him as a tireless organizer who ensured that the entire journey was smooth and enriching for every participant.
The sports commissioner recounted his visit to several biblical monuments, including the Dead Sea, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the place where Moses struck the rock, saying that seeing these sacred sites in person gave him a new perspective on faith and leadership.
“As someone who often reads these stories in the Bible, being in those places was impossible to describe in words. It strengthened my faith and reminded me of the power of obedience and humility before God,” he said.
Hon Onyeocha also took the opportunity to pray for the sporting community in Imo State, asking God to protect all Imo athletes, coaches and sports administrators across the world and grant them the grace to excel in their various sporting pursuits.
He further appreciated Governor Uzodimma for supporting the initiative, noting that the same act of generosity was extended in 2023 when another group of 1,000 pilgrims were fully sponsored on a similar journey.
“The governor believes that prayer changes things – and the results are already visible in Imo. From twin flyovers to new energy projects, it is clear that God’s hand is on the state. I believe this year’s pilgrimage will bring even greater blessings,” he said.
Hon Onyeocha concluded by expressing sincere gratitude to the governor for giving him the opportunity to take part in this life-changing experience.
“It is a spiritual awakening that I will never forget. I thank His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for this gesture and for his continued commitment to the peace, development and spiritual growth of the Imo people.”
