by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s resolve to build a nation that works for every Nigerian, stressing that no one will be left behind in the government’s reforms and social investment programmes.
Speaking at the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Tinubu—represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume—said his government came into office with a strong commitment to renew hope, strengthen democratic institutions, and drive sustainable economic growth.
“We have taken bold steps to stabilize the economy, attract investment, and implement reforms that will yield lasting benefits for our country,” Akume conveyed on behalf of the president, while appealing for continued support from the Church.
In his remarks as Chairman of the conference, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged Nigerians to remain patient with Tinubu’s administration as its reforms begin to take shape. He assured that the policies, though tough in the short term, would soon translate into economic prosperity.
Calling for unity, Akpabio likened nation-building to the construction of a cathedral—requiring patience, dedication, and collective effort. “Let us believe again that our land can be great, that our children can inherit a brighter future. Transformation is not the burden of one arm of society but a covenant of partnership between Church and State,” he said.
Also speaking, Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno highlighted the Catholic Church’s global role in promoting justice, democracy, and human welfare. He outlined his administration’s poverty-alleviation programmes targeted at the poor and vulnerable, while urging the Church to continue partnering with government to deliver dividends of democracy.
The event drew attendance from the Apostolic Nuncio and Pope’s representative, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, Catholic Bishops across Nigeria, lawmakers, politicians, and hundreds of Catholic faithful from across the country.