President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s faith leaders to boldly “speak truth to power” and provide constructive solutions that will help build a nation founded on integrity, hard work, and compassion.
Delivering his message through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Tinubu stressed that religious leaders play a critical role in fostering peace and shaping national values.
He praised the Catholic Church for consistently promoting dialogue and tolerance despite Nigeria’s diversity, describing it as a credible partner in national renewal. “Your investments in education, health and social welfare often in remote and underserved areas speak louder than words. You have stood by the people in times of hardship, offered comfort in grief and raised your voice against injustice and corruption,” he said.
The President urged faith leaders to continue denouncing violence, preaching peace, and discouraging extremism and divisive tendencies. “I encourage you to keep speaking truth to power not only to government, but to all sectors of society while offering practical solutions that will help us collectively build a nation where integrity, hard work and compassion guide both public and private life,” Tinubu stated.
On the economy, the President assured Nigerians that his administration has embarked on bold reforms in agriculture, energy and infrastructure to stimulate job creation, boost productivity and create opportunities for young people. While acknowledging that the results may not be immediate, he said the measures are designed to yield lasting benefits and secure a brighter economic future.
“Good governance is not just about economic growth,” Tinubu added. “It is about justice, fairness, transparency, accountability and the dignity of every Nigerian, ensuring no one is left behind, whether rich or poor, in urban or rural areas.”
He called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and faith-based organisations in education, healthcare, social welfare and skills development, while also urging the Church to support civic education, environmental protection and youth empowerment.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who chaired the plenary, appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with the administration’s reforms, likening the process of national transformation to building a “mighty cathedral” that cannot be raised overnight.
Quoting Isaiah 40:31, Akpabio encouraged citizens to renew hope in Nigeria’s future and to work together—church and state, pulpit and parliament—to overcome divisions and achieve a brighter tomorrow.
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