President Bola Tinubu welcomed a delegation of Catholic Bishops to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, assuring them of his government’s unwavering commitment to a brighter and stronger Nigeria. The high-profile meeting comes amid concerns raised by the bishops about the nation’s ongoing challenges, including unemployment, insecurity, poverty, and corruption.
The delegation, led by President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Bishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, along with notable figures such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Cardinal John Onayikan, emphasized the urgent need for swift action to address these pressing issues. The bishops had previously expressed their concerns during a plenary meeting in Abuja last weekend, calling for decisive leadership.
In response, the presidency reassured the nation that significant progress is being made under Tinubu’s administration. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged the governance challenges but highlighted key successes, including improvements in security, economic stability, and youth empowerment.
On security, Onanuga praised the military and security agencies for reducing crime, claiming that more than 8,000 criminals ranging from bandits and armed robbers to Boko Haram terrorists had been eliminated in the past two years, while over 10,000 Nigerians, particularly women and children, were rescued. He also noted that the enhanced security environment had allowed farmers to return to their lands, boosting food production and lowering commodity prices.
Addressing the nation’s economic concerns, Onanuga pointed out that the Tinubu administration had made substantial strides in stabilizing the economy and improving Nigeria’s financial standing.
As the bishops continue their mission of promoting national unity and peace, President Tinubu expressed his deep appreciation for their ongoing contributions to governance and the nation’s stability. With these key developments, all eyes are on Nigeria as it strives for progress amidst its ongoing challenges.
