El-Rufai hails warm reception in Owerri, commends institutions for promoting unity

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception he received during a two-day visit to Owerri, Imo State.

El-Rufai, who was in the state for a series of engagements, including the 2025 Odenigbo Lecture, said the visit achieved its objective of deepening conversations around national unity and progress.

“Owerri has been a great visit. We were well-received everywhere we went—from religious institutions to engagements with stakeholders, political associates and the traditional institution.

It has been a consistent pattern of welcome and openness,” he said in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, on Saturday.

He described the hospitality shown to him as “an exemplary display of a Nigerian citizen being made to feel welcome outside of his home area, amidst all the attempts at division.”

El-Rufai extended special appreciation to the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri for inviting him to deliver the Odenigbo Lecture and to the Anglican Diocese of Egbu for hosting him at its women’s conference.

He also commended His Highness, Eze Stephen Kemjika Agumanu of Nekede, for his hospitality.

The former governor further recalled the interactive session held on his first night in Owerri, noting the solidarity of Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, who attended despite not feeling well.

“Owerri has been kind and open, and we leave with great memories,” El-Rufai concluded.