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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to partnering with the Catholic Church to tackle Nigeria’s pressing socio‑economic and security woes, urging a fusion of faith and governance for national renewal.
Delivering a goodwill message at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) First Plenary Meeting in Abuja on Sunday, Akume hailed the gathering of bishops and clergy as a pivotal forum for spiritual discernment and national direction. “This plenary is not just administratively important; it offers an opportunity for discernment on the spiritual and socio‑economic realities facing Nigerians,” he stated, appreciating the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria for the invitation to this assembly of “shepherds of the Church in our dear nation.”
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, Akume spotlighted the Church’s towering role in Nigeria’s moral and developmental fabric, praising its expansive network of schools, hospitals and aid programmes that uplift the poor and vulnerable. Amid banditry, economic hardship and calls for accountable leadership, he positioned the bishops’ pastoral letters as a “moral compass”, challenging officials to embrace transparency and servant leadership. “Such interventions are patriotic expressions rooted in Gospel values rather than acts of opposition,” the SGF noted.
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A Knight of St John International himself, Akume bridged personal faith with public duty, insisting policies must blend efficiency with moral integrity. He recommitted President Bola Tinubu’s administration to peace, interfaith harmony, youth empowerment and inclusive growth, emphasising that “justice, security of lives and property, and human dignity transcend political and denominational boundaries.”
Akume assured the bishops, “Let me assure you that the government remains committed to policies aimed at economic reform, institutional strengthening, and social protection for the most vulnerable. We acknowledge that transformation requires patience, sacrifice, and collective effort. In this journey, the prayers and moral support of the Church are invaluable.”
He lauded the prelates’ resilience: “Your Eminence and Your Excellencies, I commend your steadfast leadership and courage. The burdens of shepherding God’s flock in these times are not light. Yet your resilience, unity, and fidelity to the Gospel continue to inspire hope among the faithful and the wider society.”
As the plenary unfolded, Akume prayed for outcomes boosting evangelisation, pastoral care and national stability, concluding on an optimistic note for a “fruitful and grace‑filled” session.
