Tinubu to Catholic Bishops in Rome: Let's harness our diversity for national prosperity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to turn the nation’s religious and cultural diversity into a source of strength and prosperity, rather than division and conflict.
Speaking in Rome on Sunday during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of unity, inclusion, and leadership committed to the common good.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, the President said “if we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress”.
The President, who led Nigeria’s official delegation to the installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV, described the moment as historic, saying it was a privilege to be President at a time when a new Pontiff was being inaugurated.
The Nigerian bishops were part of the presidential delegation that attended Sunday’s Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Their presence, President Tinubu noted, reflected the importance of faith and interreligious harmony in national life.
The President also used the opportunity to urge leaders across all levels of government to prioritize the welfare of the people and focus on building a stable and prosperous nation.
Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for facilitating their visit to Rome — both for the burial of the late Pope Francis and the installation of his successor.
“You are always there for us. Now that you have come to the Vatican, whenever we have our conference in Nigeria, we will also invite you, and we look forward to interfacing with you just as you were able to do with the Holy Father”, Archbishop Ugorji said.
Other leading clerics present at the meeting included Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese.
