Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and hopeful as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration implements economic and governance reforms, assuring that the process will yield prosperity and renewal.
Akpabio made the call in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, while chairing the opening of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, according to a statement from his media office on Sunday.
He noted that nation-building requires sacrifice and endurance, likening it to the gradual construction of a cathedral. “Do not despair when the winds blow strong or the scaffolding shakes. For a nation is like a mighty cathedral, it is not raised overnight, but stone by stone, prayer by prayer, hand by hand,” he said.
The Senate President also underscored the need for partnership between the church and government in driving national transformation. “Transformation is not the burden of one arm of society, nor the privilege of a select few. It is a covenant of partnership,” he added.
Representing President Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to stabilising the economy, attracting investment, and driving inclusive growth. “We have taken bold steps to stabilise the economy, attract investment, and implement reforms that will bring enduring benefits to our country,” Akume said.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, commended the Catholic Church for its role in advancing justice and good governance, while highlighting his administration’s empowerment and poverty-alleviation programmes.
The plenary was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, Catholic Bishops from across the country, members of the National Assembly, political leaders, and thousands of worshippers.
