Gladness Gideon
President Bola Tinubu on Friday welcomed a delegation of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to a prosperous and united Nigeria.
The delegation, led by the President of the CBCN and Catholic Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, included prominent church leaders such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and the Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onayikan.
During the meeting, President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges facing Nigeria, which the bishops had previously highlighted.
Last weekend, at their plenary session in Abuja, the CBCN expressed concerns about the country’s rising unemployment, insecurity, poverty, and corruption, urging the President to take swift action to address these issues.
In response, President Tinubu assured the delegation of his government’s dedication to the greater good of Nigeria and assured them that his administration is committed to confronting these challenges head-on.
The Presidency, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, sought to reassure Nigerians that significant progress has been made in key areas of governance under the Tinubu administration. Onanuga acknowledged the persistent challenges but highlighted notable strides in security, economic stability, and youth empowerment.
On security, Onanuga emphasized that Nigeria is now more secure than it was in 2023, crediting the efforts of the military and security agencies. Over the past two years, more than 8,000 criminals, including bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers, have been eliminated, with over 10,000 Nigerians, primarily women and children, rescued from the hands of criminals.
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The improved security, he added, has allowed farmers to return to their land, resulting in increased food production and lower commodity prices across the country.
On economic matters, the Special Adviser also pointed out that the Tinubu administration has successfully stabilized Nigeria’s economy and improved its financial standing, laying a foundation for a more resilient and self-sustaining economy in the coming years.
Onanuga further praised the Catholic Bishops for their consistent and patriotic contributions to national unity, peace, and governance, noting that their interventions continue to have a positive impact on the country’s socio-political landscape.
While there are still significant challenges ahead, the government remains confident that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is on the right path to overcoming its difficulties and achieving lasting prosperity for all Nigerians.