Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to Nigerians to remain hopeful and patient as the country navigates ongoing reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that current hardships will eventually give way to economic growth and national prosperity.
Akpabio made this call while speaking as Chairman at the opening session of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, on Sunday.
In a statement issued by his media office, Akpabio likened the process of nation-building to the slow but deliberate construction of a great cathedral, emphasizing that true transformation requires endurance, faith, and collective effort.
He said, “Let me seize this opportunity to urge my compatriots to be patient with your government as we lay again the foundations of this house.
“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.”
Drawing from Isaiah 40:31, the Senate President added: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.”
Akpabio also emphasized the importance of partnership between the Church and the State in building a more just and prosperous Nigeria.
He said, “Transformation is not the burden of one arm of society, nor the privilege of a select few. It is a covenant of partnership. As St. Paul declares: ‘We are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
Representing President Tinubu at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to implementing economic reforms aimed at fostering inclusive growth.
Akume said, “This administration came into office with a firm commitment to renew hope, strengthen our democratic institutions, and build a Nigeria that works for all.
“We have taken bold steps to stabilize the economy, attract investment, and implement reforms that will bring enduring benefits to our country.”
He called on the Church to continue supporting government efforts, promising that no segment of society would be left behind in the administration’s social investment programmes.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, in his remarks, acknowledged the Catholic Church’s contribution to promoting justice, good governance, and people-focused policies.
He also outlined ongoing poverty alleviation and empowerment initiatives in the state and called for deeper collaboration between the Church and government.
The plenary was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria and representative of the Pope, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, as well as Catholic Bishops from across the country, lawmakers, political leaders, and thousands of worshippers.
Several members of the National Assembly were also in attendance, including Senators Ede Dafinone, Peter Nwaebonyi, Osita Ngwu, Titus Zam, Victor Umeh, Diket Plang, Osita Izunaso, Simon Lalong, Ireti Kingibe, Samson Ekong, Aniekan Bassey, Austin Akobundu, Anthony Ani, Memga Udende, and Olajide Ipinsingba.
The Catholic Bishops Conference remains a critical platform for dialogue between the Church and the Nigerian State, focusing on national development, governance, and the moral responsibilities of leadership.
