From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to harness their rich diversity as a foundation for national stability and rapid development.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu spoke on Sunday in Rome, the Nigerian leader emphasized the importance of unity in diversity during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
Addressing the bishops, President Tinubu, a Muslim, said, “If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress.” He described the occasion as historic, marking his presidency during the inauguration of a new Pope in Rome.
The Catholic bishops were part of President Tinubu’s delegation attending the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV, a significant event following the recent passing of Pope Francis.
Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for facilitating their visit to the Vatican. He highlighted the visit as a symbol of a strengthened relationship between the Nigerian government and the Catholic Church.
“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.
The meeting was also attended by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese, underscoring the collaborative spirit between the Nigerian leadership and the Catholic Church.