Urges religious leaders, monarchs to pray, work for peace, security 
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has commended President Bola Tinubu, for several reforms he has put in place since he took office on May 29 last year.
  
In his New Year broadcast, yesterday, the governor said the reforms and programmes were put in place to better the lives of Nigerians, urging patience to cascade in fruits.
   
Uzodimma also urged all religious leaders and monarchs in Imo to intensify prayers for the sustenance of peace and security in the state, congratulating the people for surviving the excruciating pain of 2023.
  
He said: “I must admit that 2023 was a very challenging year in which many Nigerians battled for survival. As your governor, I shared these pains, and I did the much I could to help alleviate the challenges. But, as I said in my Christmas message, I am confident that the reforms, which are being implemented by the President to restructure the economy, are in the right direction. 
  
“Besides, they are vital reforms that are essential for repositioning the economy for a more prosperous future. Like most reforms, the initial pains are inevitable. The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. As they say, the darkest hour heralds a glorious dawn. So it is with the pains that came with these needful reforms. I am confident that the promised glorious dawn is close enough. 
  
“I appeal to the people of Imo State to be patient, because 2024 will surely herald that glorious dawn, and I am confident that the pains of 2023 will begin to wane in 2024.”
  
In his plea to religious leaders and monarchs to continue praying for peace and security in the state, Uzodimma said: “Let me use the opportunity of the New Year to urge our religious and traditional rulers to continue to pray and work hard for the sustenance of peace in our state. Those who feel aggrieved one way or the other should embrace peace. We all need to work together for the interest of our state.”