President Tinubu urges Nigerians to embrace diversity for national unity and progress

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to harness the country’s rich diversity as a source of strength for national stability and accelerated development.

He made the appeal on Sunday in Rome while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Addressing the delegation, President Tinubu, a Muslim, emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among the nation’s diverse groups. “If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the hope for our country lies in stability and progress,” he stated.

The President also encouraged leaders at all levels to prioritize the welfare of the people and work collectively for the nation’s advancement.

Describing the moment as historic, Tinubu noted the significance of being Nigeria’s President during the inauguration of a new Pope in Rome. The Catholic bishops were part of his official delegation to attend the installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV.

Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of Owerri, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for facilitating their visit to the Vatican—both to attend the funeral of the late Pope Francis and to witness the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

He described the occasion as a new chapter in the relationship between the Catholic Church in Nigeria and the Nigerian government. “You have always supported us. Now that you’ve come to the Vatican, we will also invite you to our conferences in Nigeria and look forward to engaging with you just as you have engaged with the Holy Father,” Archbishop Ugorji said.

Also present at the meeting were Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.