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.
President Tinubu, who spoke in Rome, yesterday, emphasised the importance of unity in diversity during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
Addressing the bishops, President Tinubu, 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 (CBCN), thanked 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.
President Tinubu also met with Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi and former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi at the installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, yesterday.
Fayemi noticed President Tinubu seated among other leaders and invited Obi to join him in paying homage to the Nigerian leader, to which Obi agreed.
Upon approaching the President, Fayemi initiated the conversation by saying, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
President Tinubu, known for his quick wit, responded, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the head of the Nigerian delegation.”
The President’s remark elicited laughter from Obi, who concurred, saying, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
Both Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi are devout Catholics and hold the distinguished title of Papal knights.