At a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic strain, the call for resilience, faith, and collective effort echoed strongly on Sunday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, during the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
The event, attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, Governor Umo Eno, Catholic Bishops, clergy, and faithful across the country, became more than a religious gathering—it transformed into a national reflection on leadership, governance, and the role of faith in shaping Nigeria’s destiny.
Akpabio: “Nation-Building Is a Covenant of Partnership”
Speaking at the plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the current economic hardships but urged Nigerians not to lose hope. He assured that the reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration are designed to yield long-term prosperity, likening the process of rebuilding Nigeria to the careful construction of a cathedral.
“A nation is like a mighty cathedral—it is not raised overnight, but stone by stone, prayer by prayer, hand by hand,” Akpabio said. “Let us therefore 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.”
Akpabio called for unity across divides—“Church and State, pulpit and parliament, faith and policy”—emphasizing that true transformation requires a collective covenant of partnership.
Akume: Reforms for a Nigeria That Works for All
On his part, SGF George Akume, who represented President Tinubu at the gathering, restated the administration’s commitment to renew hope, stabilize the economy, and attract investment.
“This administration came into office with a firm commitment to build a Nigeria that works for everyone,” Akume said. “We have taken bold steps to stabilize the economy, attract investment, and implement reforms that will bring enduring benefits.”
He appealed to the Church to continue supporting the government’s efforts and assured that no one would be left behind in social investment programmes aimed at reducing poverty and inequality.
Governor Eno: Church as a Pillar for Social Justice
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State praised the Catholic Church for its historic role in defending justice, promoting democracy, and prioritizing people’s welfare. He highlighted his administration’s poverty alleviation initiatives and called on the Church to remain a strategic partner in delivering the dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
Church–State Synergy in Nation-Building
The conference also welcomed the presence of Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio and representative of Pope Francis, along with bishops from across Nigeria. Their participation reinforced the idea that the intersection of governance and faith can provide moral direction and strengthen policies aimed at justice and human dignity.
As Nigeria navigates its most pressing economic challenges, the message from Ikot Ekpene was clear: nation-building requires patience, partnership, and shared responsibility. Leaders are urging trust in reforms, while the Church continues to serve as a moral compass—together pointing towards a future where resilience and unity can give birth to prosperity.
