Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and hopeful as the country undergoes critical reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, assuring that the ongoing transformation will soon translate into prosperity and national renewal.
According to a statement from his media office on Sunday, Akpabio made the appeal while speaking as Chairman at the opening of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
He urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by prevailing economic challenges, noting that nation-building is a gradual process requiring collective sacrifice, endurance, and faith.
“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,” Akpabio said.
Drawing from the scriptures, he added: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31).
The Senate President also stressed the importance of collaboration between the church and the state in the task of transformation. “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,’” he said.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering lasting economic reforms and inclusive growth.
“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 stabilise the economy, attract investment, and implement reforms that will bring enduring benefits to our country,” Akume said.
He called on the Church to continue supporting the government, assuring that no segment of society would be left behind in its social investment programmes.
Also speaking, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, acknowledged the Catholic Church’s role in promoting justice, good governance, and people-centred policies. He highlighted his administration’s poverty alleviation and empowerment initiatives, calling for continued partnership with the church in delivering the dividends of democracy.
The plenary was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria and Papal Representative, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, Catholic Bishops from across the country, members of the National Assembly, political leaders, and thousands of worshippers.
Among senators in attendance were 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.
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