Tinubu Calls for National Unity Through Diversity at Vatican Meeting with Nigerian Catholic Bishops

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to utilize the country’s ethnic and religious diversity as a foundation for unity, stability, and national development.

Speaking on Sunday in Rome during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Tinubu stressed the importance of turning diversity into prosperity.

The meeting was part of the Nigerian delegation’s visit to the Vatican for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said, “If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress.”

He called on leaders at all levels of government to be intentional about inclusive governance and working for the betterment of all Nigerians. “Our diversity should be a driver of development, not division. We must harness it to build a stronger, more united country where everyone feels a sense of belonging,” Tinubu emphasized.

The President described the Vatican event as “historic” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Nigeria during the inauguration of a new Pope.

Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, thanked Tinubu for his support and for including the bishops in the delegation. “You are always there for us. Now that you have come to the Vatican, whenever we have our conference in Nigeria, we will also invite you, and we look forward to interfacing with you just as you were able to do with the Holy Father,” he said.

Senior church leaders such as Archbishops Ignatius Kaigama, Alfred Martins, and Bishop Matthew Kukah were also present. The visit underscored the administration’s commitment to faith-based collaboration amid Nigeria’s socio-economic difficulties.