President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja following a landmark visit to the Vatican City, where he attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
Touching down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday evening, Tinubu was warmly received by top government officials, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
Describing his visit to Rome as “historic,” President Tinubu highlighted the significance of representing Nigeria at the installation of the new Pontiff. During his stay, the President emphasized the need for Nigerians to harness the nation’s diversity as a tool for unity and progress.
“If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress,” Tinubu stated, urging leaders across all levels to prioritize the well-being of citizens.
As part of his activities in Rome, the President hosted members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), who joined his delegation for the Papal inauguration. Tinubu’s engagement with the bishops was marked by a renewed spirit of collaboration between the Nigerian government and the Catholic Church.
Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Owerri, commended the President for facilitating their participation in both the funeral of the late Pope Francis and the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
“You are always there for us,” Ugorji said. “Now that you have come to the Vatican, whenever we have our conference in Nigeria, we will also invite you. We look forward to continuing this dialogue, just as you were able to do with the Holy Father.”
Other prominent clerics present at the Vatican included Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.
The President’s visit is widely seen as a significant step in fostering interfaith dialogue and strengthening ties between the Nigerian government and religious communities.
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