VATICAN CITY — President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, May 18, 2025, called on Nigerians to embrace the country’s diversity as a force for unity and national development, urging leaders across all levels to prioritise the well-being of the people.
The president made the remarks while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Rome, shortly after attending the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
“If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy.
The Catholic bishops were part of Tinubu’s official delegation to the Vatican, which also included prominent Nigerian political and religious leaders.
Tinubu noted the historic significance of his presence in Rome as Nigeria’s head of state during the installation of a new pope.
He used the occasion to reiterate the importance of inclusive governance and collaboration between faith leaders and government to build a stronger nation.
Responding on behalf of the bishops, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, expressed gratitude to the president for facilitating their participation in Vatican ceremonies, including the burial of Pope Francis and the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
“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 senior clerics at the meeting included Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.
