*Urges Nigerian Leaders To Harness Country’s Diversity
*Banters With Obi, Fayemi
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s leaders and Nigerians to harness the country’s diversity as a source of strength, rather than division, to foster national stability and rapid development.
The President, speaking in Rome on Sunday, May 18, during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), who were part of the Nigerian delegation to Rome for both the burial of the late Pope Francis and inauguration of his successor, shortly after the installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where he joined other world leaders for the occasion, said “if we use our diversity not for adversity, but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress.”
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said it was a “historic” moment for him to witness the inauguration of a new Pope while serving as Nigeria’s leader.
In his response, President of CBCN and Archbishop of Owerri, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, commended Tinubu for facilitating their visit to the Vatican, saying: “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.
“We look forward to interfacing with you, just as you were able to do with the Holy Father.”
The meeting was also attended by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja; Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos and Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.
At the end of the inauguration Mass, Tinubu took his turn to shake hands and exchange pleasantries with the Pope, as did other world leaders.
He told journalists later that he felt good being part of the inauguration of the new Pope, saying his visit was “consistent in the true sense of unity in diversity and I am greatly honoured.
WWe have to continue to work on it. It’s a work in progress for the sake of our country and the continent as a whole.”
He briefly met with Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, both staunch Catholics.
Onanuga, in a a post on X, said: “Fayemi sighted President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders and asked Obi to follow him to pay homage to the Nigerian leader. Obi agreed.
“On getting to the President, Fayemi broke the ice between Obi and Tinubu. He said, Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.
“President Tinubu, ever quick-witted, responded: “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.’
“The President’s response cracked up Obi, who agreed with the President, saying, ‘Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
Speaking on the Vatican meeting on his X handle, Obi said: “Today’s event was particularly special, as it marked the beginning of a new papacy.
“I exchanged warm greetings with President Bola Tinubu and was pleased to see the diverse gathering of world leaders and pilgrims who came in faith and unity.”
He recalled the memories of 2013 when he visited the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, alongside Fayemi, both of them governors at the time, adding: “Today, Fayemi and I stood once again beneath the majestic Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, evoking memories of our presence here, as governors in 2013, for the inauguration of Pope Francis, a deeply significant moment for the Church and the world.
“Over the years, I have returned to this sacred place on several occasions, including as part of Nigeria’s official delegation to the canonisations of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa.
“Through my involvement with Scholas Occurrentes, the global initiative founded by Pope Francis, I have also participated in various efforts promoting education, peace and intercultural dialogue.”
Tinubu had earlier on arrival in Rome on Saturday been hosted to a dinner by Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro.
In a post on his official X handle, Tinubu said their dialogue was marked by a spirit of fraternity and a shared vision for peace, mutual respect and global solidarity.”
He said Nigeria deeply valued the Vatican’s longstanding goodwill and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, tolerance and cooperation in an increasingly polarised world.
Tinubu wrote: “Upon my arrival in Rome ahead of the solemn Mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I was warmly received and graciously hosted to dinner by His Eminence, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State to the Vatican.
“Our dialogue was marked by a spirit of fraternity and a shared vision for the future, focusing on common values such as peace, mutual respect, and global solidarity.
“I expressed Nigeria’s deep appreciation for the Vatican’s longstanding goodwill and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, tolerance and cooperation in an increasingly polarised world.
“As always, Nigeria remains a nation open to friendship, grounded in faith and committed to building bridges of understanding across the world.”
After the installation Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Tinubu shook hands and exchanged a few words with the new pontiff, just like other world leaders, before moving along.
