The Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and hopeful with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, assuring that the government’s reforms are setting the stage for lasting prosperity.
Speaking as the chairman at the Second Plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Akpabio likened the process of building a nation to raising a cathedral.
“Do not despair when the winds blow strong or the scaffolding shakes,” he said. “A nation is like a mighty cathedral; it is not raised overnight, but stone by stone, prayer by prayer, hand by hand. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”
He emphasized unity and collective effort: “Let us bind the wounds of division, banish the cynicism of despair, and walk together—Church and State, pulpit and parliament, faith and policy—towards a brighter dawn. Transformation is not the burden of one arm of society, nor the privilege of a select few; it is a covenant of partnership.”
Representing President Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to stabilize the economy, attract investment, and create opportunities for all Nigerians.
“This administration is determined to renew hope and build a Nigeria that works for everyone,” Akume said.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, praised the Catholic Church for its global role in promoting justice and democracy. He highlighted his government’s poverty alleviation efforts and urged stronger collaboration between the Church and the state to uplift the poor and vulnerable.
The event brought together Catholic bishops from across Nigeria, clergy, lawmakers, political leaders, and the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev Michael Crotty, who delivered Pope Leo’s blessings and solidarity with the Nigerian Church.
The message from Akpabio and the gathering’s tone was clear: Nigeria’s transformation demands patience, shared responsibility, and a renewed commitment to unity and faith.
