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Catholic Bishops Conference : Let us build prosperity together and promoting interfaith harmony, Tinubu urges church leaders
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged faith leaders to join hands with him to build a strong economy in which the people will prosper.
He also urged them to remain steadfast in promoting interfaith harmony and denouncing violence.
He pledged to partner them and their institutions to tackle poverty, unemployment and inequality.
Tinubu spoke at the opening of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday. He said his request to the religious leaders was hinged on the fact that faith-based organisations are “a vital bridge for peace, unity and moral renewal in the country.”
‘’Our efforts in tackling insecurity, expanding social investment programmes, strengthening agriculture and revitalising infrastructure are geared towards creating an enabling environment for Nigerians to live in peace and fulfill their potential.
“I reassure you that the Federal Government will deepen collaboration with the Catholic Church and other faith-based Organisations in key sectors as education, healthcare, social welfare and skills development.
‘’Together, we can tackle poverty, reduce inequality and build stronger communities,” the President said.
He was represented at the event by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, attended the event, which was witnessed by the representative of Pope Leo XIV, Apostolic Nuncio Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, and some members of the National Assembly.
Tinubu told the bishops that genuine reconciliation and national cohesion can only be achieved when spiritual leaders preach peace, discourage extremism, hatred, and divisive tendencies.
He challenged them ‘’to continue speaking truth to power, not only to government but to society.’’
Read Also: Be patient with Tinubu’s reforms, prosperity will come — Akpabio tells Nigerians
Tinubu, in a statement by Akume’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, reminded the clerics that while ‘’speaking truth to power,’’ they should ‘’offer constructive solutions that will help us build a nation where integrity, hard work and compassion are hallmarks of public and private life.”
He lauded the Catholic Bishops and other clerics across denominations for championing dialogue and tolerance in a diverse nation like Nigeria.
“The Catholic Church has been a credible partner in the journey towards national renewal. Your investments in education, health and social welfare—often in remote and underserved communities—speak louder than words. You have stood with the people in times of hardship, provided comfort in times of grief and raised your voice against injustice and corruption,” Tinubu said.
The President assured them that his administration is committed to addressing insecurity and social unrest, including poverty, unemployment and inequality.
He cited removal of fuel subsidy, unification of exchange rates and efforts to curb leakages in public finances as steps toward stabilising the economy and laying a foundation for long-term prosperity.
These policies, though demanding sacrifices in the short term, Tinubu noted, are necessary to put the nation back on the path of growth and long-term prosperity.
The President emphasised that beyond stabilisation, his government is working to attract local and foreign investments by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He highlighted reforms in key sectors, such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, which are expected to stimulate job creation, boost productivity, and expand opportunities for young Nigerians.
Tinubu said while the results may not be immediate, the reforms are structured to deliver enduring benefits that will uplift lives and secure a brighter economic future for the nation.
He 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 steps to stabilise the economy, attract investment and implement reforms that will, in due course, yield enduring benefits for our people.
‘’We recognise that good governance is not just about economic growth, it is about justice, fairness, transparency, accountability and the dignity of every Nigerian.
“It’s also about ensuring that no one is left behind – whether in urban centres or rural communities, whether majority or minority, whether rich or poor.
Tinubu called on religious leaders to complement the government’s initiatives by nurturing honesty, hard work, and compassion in their communities.
He urged the church to continue offering guidance in civic education, environmental protection and youth empowerment.
The President further urged the church to collaborate with the government in advancing civic education, protecting the environment, and empowering young people, so future generations will gain not only academic knowledge but also values needed to uphold the moral fabric of society.
Akpabio urges patience
Akpabio urged Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu administration’s reforms, as they will soon yield results.
“Let me 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,’’ Akpabio said in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong.
He said it was important for people to note that a country is like a cathedral that cannot be built in a short space of time
“A nation is like a mighty cathedral — it is not raised overnight, but stone by stone, prayer by prayer, hand by hand – They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as Eagles (Isaiah 40:31), he said.
“Let us renew hope in the Nigerian enterprise. Let us believe again that our land can be great, that our children can inherit a future brighter than our present.
“Let us bind the wounds of division, banish the cynicism of despair, and walk together—Church and State, pulpit and parliament, faith and policy—towards the dawn.
“Transformation is not the burden of one arm of society, or 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.’”
Governor Eno noted that the Catholic Church has played key roles all over the world in fighting injustice, enthroning democratic governance and placing the welfare of the people at the centre of its policies.
Eno called for continued support of the Church in delivering dividends of democracy to the people.
Security presence surged around the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as operatives from multiple agencies were deployed ahead of the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption-related offences.
By about 7:00 a.m., heavily armed personnel of the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had taken positions at strategic locations leading to the court complex situated within the old Nigerian Defence Academy area.
Access roads to the venue witnessed restrictions, forcing vehicles into a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo and triggering early morning gridlock.
The heavy security followed a prior notice by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission that it would arraign El-Rufai on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission said the former governor would be docked alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
The agency explained that the charges against the defendants include alleged conversion, unlawful possession of public property, and money laundering.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, and one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The charges range from conversion of and possession of public property to money laundering,” the statement read.
It further disclosed that another case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, had been instituted against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court.
According to the commission, the state charges border on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
“Similarly, another charge against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges range from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage, among others,” the statement added.
The ICPC said both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, adding that a date for arraignment in the state court would be announced later.
It also insisted that El-Rufai had been properly served, stressing its adherence to due process and the rule of law.
The development came amid growing pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which called for his immediate release or arraignment, describing his continued detention without formal charges as unconstitutional.
In the same vein, the Muslim Rights Concern criticised his prolonged detention, while members of his family also alleged a breach of his fundamental rights.
El-Rufai was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, granted bail two days later, and subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC.
He has remained in the custody of the anti-graft agency since then, pending his arraignment.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
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The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
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