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By Jessica Dogo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Nigeria’s digital economy has recorded significant strides in improving and expanding network connectivity within two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The administration has set forth an ambitious roadmap to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, aiming to provide internet access to underserved and unconnected communities across the nation.

This initiative is a cornerstone of the “Renewed Hope Agenda”, reflecting a commitment to harness digital infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and social inclusion.

Granted, internet penetration has risen, particularly in urban areas–the number of internet users increased; accessibility and affordability improved–but the quality of service still poses considerable hurdles, particularly in rural areas; the challenges remain.

Analysts say internet penetration has been steadily increasing, reaching around 45 per cent of the population in early 2024.

This signifies a significant rise from only 15 per cent a decade ago.

The number of unconnected clusters and areas with limited network access has decreased from 207 to 87.

The government says it is actively working with partners to close the digital divide and expand penetration; aiming to improve network connectivity in underserved communities to 70 per cent by 2025 through infrastructure development and digital empowerment programmes.

Policy analysts say the progress made in recent times demonstrates a commitment to closing the digital divide and fostering a more inclusive digital economy.

Worthy on note, efforts to improve broadband connectivity are underway, with a focus on expanding fibre optic networks and initiatives.

Recently, at the unveiling of a pilot project on expanding network connectivity in rural communities, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed Federal Government’s plan to invest in 7,000 towers in underserved communities.

According to Tijani, the focus is to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive development in the country.

He said that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government had directed the ministry to invest 7,000 towers in giving Nigerians access to network.

The minister assured that the 7,000 projects would be delivered by the end of the year so that an opportunity can be given to Nigerians regardless of where they find themselves.

Tijani said that there were about 20 million rural dwellers that still had no access to such facilities.

“The President demanded that money must be put into ensuring that this opportunity is not only available to those in the urban area, but every part of the North.

“This will, in turn, lead to the transformation of the Nigerian economy in all spheres, ranging from health, agriculture and security.”

According to Tijani, the importance of internet connection to Nigeria is profound, touching nearly every aspect of the country’s development.

“Nigeria’s digital economy is one of the fastest growing in Africa.

“Internet connectivity supports tech startups, e-commerce, fintech, and digital services, contributing significantly to GDP.

‘’Online platforms enable remote work, freelancing, and access to global gig economies. Initiatives like the 3MTT programme aim to create millions of tech-enabled jobs.

“Small and medium enterprises benefit from digital tools for marketing, sales, logistics, and finance,’’ he said.

Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said that the Digital Transformation Working Group (DTWG) had worked with MDAs across sectors to develop and implement its plans on automation, service delivery, cloud adoption, and data-driven governance.

Inuwa said that digital transformation was not just about technology but rethinking and building a government that listened, responded and evolved with its citizens.

‘’The ministry and NITDA are driving reforms aligned with the president’s vision,’’ he said.

The President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dr Muhammad Sirajo, recently, said at the 19th International Conference on Technology and Computing, that collaboration among stakeholders was to develop resilient, inclusive and sustainable solutions on connecting the unconnected world.

Sirajo said that the conference would provide a dynamic platform to explore innovative approaches to global challenges with key sub-themes including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, Blockchain and Cryptography and Sustainable and Green Technologies, among others.

“The conference topic reflects the critical role of technology in building a connected secure and sustainable future.

“The conference will bring together diverse stakeholders to deliberate on social, economic and technical trends fostering interdisciplinary solutions for a digitally interconnected world,’’ he said.

A strategic initiative under the digital transformation agenda is the National Broadband Alliance (NBAN), a collaborative approach unveiled in early 2025; a multi-stakeholder platform designed to accelerate broadband penetration and foster socio-economic growth across Nigeria.

The alliance brings together government agencies, private sector players, and civil society organisations to expand internet access, increase usage, and promote digital inclusion.

The goal is to make broadband a key driver of economic and social growth, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Available data indicates that the government has approved a 2 billion dollars initiative to expand Nigeria’s fibre-optic network by an additional 90,000 kilometres.

“This project aims to increase the country’s fibre capacity from 35,000 km to 125,000 km, positioning Nigeria as the third-largest terrestrial fibre-optic network in Africa.

“There is a 3. 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme for building digital skills and recognising the importance of digital literacy; the 3MTT programme was unveiled October 2023 with the objective of training three million Nigerians in technical and digital skills by 2027.

“The programme focuses on areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, UI/UX Design, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Game Development.

“The first phase began with 30,000 fellows across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with subsequent phases aiming to train additional cohorts.

“The Local Government Connectivity Initiative to reach the grassroots to ensure internet access reaches even the most remote areas; Tinubu has directed the establishment of broadband connectivity in all 774 local government secretariats within six months.

“This initiative leverages existing infrastructure, such as NIGCOMSAT and Galaxy Backbone’s fibre optic network, to provide reliable internet services at the grassroots level,’’ the data indicates.

Stakeholders say Tinubu’s digital transformation agenda underscores a commitment to inclusivity and economic empowerment.

They say by addressing infrastructure deficits, fostering digital skills and ensuring regulatory support, the administration aims to create a digitally connected Nigeria where every citizen has access to the opportunities the internet affords.

While the challenges persist, digital commentators say concerted efforts of the government, private sector and civil society offer a promising pathway towards bridging the digital divide and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy.(NANFeatures)

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By Fortune Abang, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The quest by Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation (NiDO)-Worldwide for inclusion of an estimated 20million Nigerians living in the diaspora to participate in electoral processes has continued to gain considerable momentum.

NiDO’s pursuit, observers say, will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to exercise their franchise during national elections.

According to NiDO-Worldwide, it is concerned that successive governments expressed support for diaspora voting but neglected to push legislation or constitutional amendments to achieve set targets.

It regrets the failure by past administrations to bring the Diaspora Voting Bill into Law, even after it went through Second Reading.

Worthy of note, in 2024, again, a bill seeking to amend the Constitution to provide for diaspora voting passed second reading in the House of Representatives and was referred to the Constitution Amendment Committee for further legislative action.

Proponents of Diaspora Voting argue that Diasporan contributions through remittances make up a huge chunk of the nation’s Internally Generated Revenue.

Some Nigerians in Diaspora who spoke on the subject matter said that several African countries had embraced diaspora enfranchisement, while Nigeria and some others have been hesitant.

Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor, Director-General of the Edo Diaspora Agency, said there was need for sustained advocacy towards legislating and passing the Diaspora Voting Bill into law, to enable Nigerians elect competent leaders in future elections.

She said that diaspora voting policy, if implemented, would empower Nigerians abroad to further contribute actively to nation-building processes, by bringing back skills and expertise developed overseas.

“Diaspora Voting is going to benefit everybody. Right now, some people think it will only benefit those in government, but that’s not true.

“It is a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches to pushing Nigeria forward; we will be putting square pegs in square holes, and that will enhance governance in Nigeria.

“Imagine voting and not feeling left out; you will feel a responsibility to return and contribute your quota to national development,” she said.

Policy analysts say that countries like South Africa have permitted diaspora voting in presidential elections at embassies and also Ghana has permitted such since 2006 amidst partial implementation and technical barriers.

“Also is the fact that Kenya permitted diaspora voting since 2013 with limited presidential elections and persistent logistic issues, while Senegal fully permitted Diasporas to elect legislators dedicated to overseas constituencies.

“Mali fully permitted diaspora voting with well-integrated and dedicated diaspora seats in parliaments, as well as Tunisia that fully permitted Tunisians abroad to elect their own representatives.

“Similarly, French citizens abroad have 11-dedicated diaspora seats in the National Assembly in France and Italians abroad elect members of Parliament directly from overseas constituencies in Italy.

“India allows expatriates to vote; although actual implementation is restrictive, physical presence at Indian polling stations is needed.

“Mexican citizens abroad can vote in presidential elections via mail and, recently, online, while Americans living abroad can vote via absentee ballots for federal elections in the U.S.,’’ an analyst said.

More so, the former Chairperson of NiDO Europe, Dr Collins Nweke, stressed the need for government to exercise its political will in advancing the cause for the realisation of diaspora voting.

Nweke, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria and also Fellow, International Association of Research Scholars and Administrators, said diaspora voting was no longer a luxury, but democratic imperative in globalised world.

“Nigeria’s failure to enfranchise its diaspora community contradicts its aspirations for inclusive governance and development.

“Comparative experiences from Africa and beyond show that the political, logistical and constitutional hurdles Nigeria faces are surmountable; overcoming them requires political will and strategic planning; now is the time to act,” Nweke said.

In the same vein, the National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANS-Diaspora) urged government to expedite amendments to the Constitution to enable Nigerians living abroad to participate in elections.

President of NANS-Diaspora, Chris Fayomi, underscored the need for diaspora voting, beginning with the 2027 elections.

According to the president, millions of Nigerians in the diaspora contribute immensely to Nigeria’s economy, with remittances reaching record highs of more than 23 billion dollars in a single year.

“This implies about 5 per cent contribution to Nigeria’s GDP; yet we remain disenfranchised and excluded from the democratic process in national decision-making.

“Hence, this call is to rightfully request our democratic access to vote as Nigerian citizens living abroad.

“Diaspora Voting has been successfully exemplified by other African countries, and as such, the Nigerian government should embrace this monumental stride that empowers its citizens abroad to lawfully vote for their leaders,” he said.

On his part, Mr Obed Monago, a former Chair of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation – Americas (NIDOA), described as unfortunate the fact that past governments did not deem it fit to pass diaspora voting into law, amid several appeals by NiDO-Worldwide.

“Even after it went for the second reading, it was voted down; so, it is really quite unfortunate that government did not put into consideration the contribution and the impact of the Diasporas to the socio-economic wellbeing of Nigeria.

“The thinking is basically not welcome, but we are not relenting; we are going to take up the fight this time.

“It is going to be more organised and we are going to take it up collectively with the Tenth National Assembly too, hopefully this time we are going to prevail,” he said.

Speaking on the subject matter, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), called on compatriots abroad to form a united front aimed at promoting diaspora voting in Nigeria.

Dabiri-Erewa made the call at a recent virtual conference centred on institution of diaspora voting in Nigeria, organised by FixPolitics Diaspora Dialogue, a non-governmental organisation.

According to her, Nigerians are everywhere across the world and can work closely together in a bid to achieve their pursuit for diaspora voting.

“Nobody in the Diaspora can have an edge over the other; there is no where we do not have Nigerians; more importantly, we should have everything in place before diaspora voting; it must not start immediately.

“Let it start when INEC feels it is ready for it, because we cannot keep amending the constitution all the time about this,” she said.

A foreign affairs analyst said that most advanced democracies allowed remote voting, absentee ballots, postal voting and online platforms.

He urged government to recognise the diaspora’s economic power and actively promote their political inclusion, as bridge to investment and soft diplomacy.

“Although INEC’s ability to conduct credible elections domestically pose concerns about expansion abroad, in terms of cost implications, voter verification abroad, security and diplomatic coordination, there is need for the establishment of polling stations at various Nigerian consulate abroad and voter education campaign to achieve progress,’’ he said.

He said in spite of their citizenship and tremendous capacity, NiDO contributed positively to the Nigerian project; yet Nigerians in the diaspora continue to be denied their fundamental right to vote.

Stakeholders hold that disenfranchising Nigerians in the Diaspora does not only undermine the principles of democracy; it also diminishes potential for diaspora engagement in shaping the policies and decisions that impact their lives and millions of Nigerians back home.(NANFeatures)

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By Fortune Abang, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on May 28, 1975, under the auspices of Treaty of Lagos, marked a new regional chapter and charter.

By virtue of the Treaty of Lagos, ECOWAS, comprising 16 West African Countries at inception, became Africa’s pioneer Regional Economic Community (REC).

For the benefit of hindsight, ECOWAS founding countries are Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mauritania and Togo.

However, Mauritania formally withdrew from the bloc in 2000, bringing the number of countries to 15.

The Treaty of Lagos aims at promoting economic co-operation and integration among the ECOWAS member states with focus on achieving collective self-sufficiency and improving the citizens’ standard of living.

Nonetheless, amidst successes so far recorded, the community’s heroic achievements remain unsung 50 years after.

Recently, at an event organised by ECOWAS and hosted by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) to commemorate ECOWAS at 50, its founding fathers, regional and sub-regional leaders, as well as diplomats, underscored the need for continuous growth in strength, unity and purpose of the community.

The stakeholders prayed for ECOWAS to march towards peace, prosperity and progress in the spirit of 1975 cooperation, solidarity and of hope that has never been forgotten.

They recounted significant progress the community made in terms of implementation of policies and programme, protocols and operations to stabilise entities such as Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau.

More so, they identified other achievements to include trade liberalisation, introduction of policies to reduce trade barriers and promotion of intra-regional trade; thus increasing trade among member states and helping to promote economic growth and development.

Regrettably, they say the community failed in achieving a common currency.

Observers say the community still face security challenges such as terrorism, kidnapping, various criminal activities and various activity of man’s inhumanity to man.

According to stakeholders, the recent withdrawal by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)– Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger– from the community poses great concern to ECOWAS as it marks 50 years of existence.

Speaking during the ceremony, a former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said ECOWAS had evolved into a cornerstone of regional stability and powerful emblem of African resilience and unity.

According to him, the theme of ECOWAS at 50: “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future”, reflects the richness of African culture and tradition.

He narrated the diverse views about the founding of ECOWAS on May 28, 1975 under his leadership then as Nigeria’s Head of State.

“The view when we started was to promote good governance; there were military and other democratic governments, but the military ensured we did things democratically, militarily democratically.

“Yes, with the help of all of us, there will be democratic and secured governments throughout the region; let us not forget the many challenges we have faced over the past 50 years.

“There are political crises, coup d’etat, civil wars, economic crunch, pandemics, terrorism and pressure of globalisation, yet through it all, ECOWAS has endured.

“It has adapted to changing circumstances, undertaken critical reforms and consistently renewed commitment to the founding ideas that bind us together.

“However, today is not only a day to celebrate the past, but it is a moment to reflect upon the present and chart course for the future,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu and Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, in a keynote address, stressed the need for West African leaders to sustain the legacies of ECOWAS’s founding fathers.

He urged the leaders to continue to look beyond artificial borders created by colonialists and embrace one another as a family.

Tinubu said that the founding fathers foresaw a more united, harmonious, and purpose-driven regional bloc that would benefit many generations.

“In 1975, our founding leaders envisioned a West Africa where borders unite rather than divide a region of free movement, thriving trade, and peaceful coexistence; that vision is still alive.

“The regional bloc has lived up to the founders’ expectations in many respects, including peacekeeping, trade liberalisation, free movement of citizens and working together to tackle security issues and global pandemics.

“ECOWAS is a beacon of African unity; in overcoming colonial legacies, we brought together Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations under one vision, an achievement of global significance,” he said.

On his part, Mr Mahmoud Youssouf, Chairperson of African Union Commission (AUC), extolled ECOWAS for acting decisively as guardian of peace and builder of dialogue amidst regional challenges.

“Fifty years ago, ECOWAS emerged from the bold imagination of visionary leaders who understood, long before many others, that Africa’s strength would be forged not in fragmentation, but in unity.

“This vision is embodied in ECOWAS; amid political challenges, pandemics, economic disruptions and the shifting tides of globalisation, ECOWAS has remained steadfast.

“Not without trials but never without resolve; in the face of adversity, ECOWAS has not stood idle; it has acted decisively as a guardian of peace and a builder of dialogue,” Youssouf said.

In line with this, Pioneer President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, expressed confidence that ECOWAS under Tinubu’s leadership, would continue to reawaken the community’s ideals and principles.

“Tinubu is very strong in his opposition to military interventions because having elected democratic governments over any other form of government, including military intervention, is the only accepted form of governance globally,” Chambas said.

On his part, the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) hailed ECOWAS for its resilience and notable achievements recorded over the past 50 years amidst numerous challenges.

According to ARCAN’s National President, Amb. Joe Keshi (OON), the 2021 African Integration Report ranked ECOWAS as the best performing among Africa’s eight RECs.

“The key achievements include the 1979 Protocol on Free Movement that allows citizens visa-free travel, right to stay in other member states for up to 90 days, ECOWAS passport and Biometric Identification Card Scheme that facilitated regional mobility.

“The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) promotes duty-free trade within a regional market of approximately 446 million people, boosting economic integration and cooperation among member states.

“Infrastructure successes such as the Lagos-Abidjan Highway, the West African Gas Pipeline and sustainable energy projects were also highlighted,” Keshi said.

What’s more, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of ECOWAS Council of Ministers, reiterated the bloc would continue to lead as model bloc among Africa’s regional economic communities.

“ECOWAS stands today as a leading model among Africa’s regional economic communities with innovations such as the community levy which has enabled financial autonomy, ambitious programmes and infrastructure projects.

“Other innovations are the ETLS, SIGMAT system for customs data integration, Lagos-Abidjan and Abidjan-Dakar transport corridors, West African Power Pool, and framework for the African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline, which embody ECOWAS’s mission of economic and infrastructural connectivity,” he said.

Amb. Kalilou Traore, Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, said ECOWAS at 50 marked a big moment to celebrate what the community had done so far.

“We have had success in many areas; also, we experienced some failures, we need to learn from all those things and project ourselves in the future to make ECOWAS a better place.

“ECOWAS has been able to create regional market. What we are trying to do now at continental level for ACFTA, we already have it at ECOWAS region, which is a big achievement,” Traore said.

The ambassador paid tribute to the founding fathers of ECOWAS led by Gowon of Nigeria and late Eyadema of Togo.

He praised their vision and commitment as a standard that should be encouraged to sustain growth of the bloc.

All in all, stakeholders agree that ECOWAS member states should continue to work closely in order to break the chains of underdevelopment and lay foundation for a self-sustaining, prosperous region.

They say synergy is required in fostering economic integration, strengthening political and diplomatic cooperation as well as promoting peace and security in the region.(NANFeatures)

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What future for Catholics under Pope Leo XIV?

By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In unprecedented and emotionally resonant moments for the global Catholic community, Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was elected Pope on May 8 and inaugurated on May 18.

He became Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor to St. Peter and the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.

The election of Leo XIV follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, a pontiff celebrated as “the people’s pope.”

Leo XIV’s inauguration message resonated with advocacy for peace and harmony in a troubled world.

The pontiff said he wanted the Catholic Church to be a “small leaven of unity” in a time of “too much discord and too many wounds”.

Leo harped on the need to preserve the church’s rich heritage while confronting modern challenges.

“In this time of ours, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest.

“For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world; we want to say to the world, with humility and joy; look to Christ; come closer to him,” he said.

Born on Sept. 14, 1955 in Chicago, Leo XIV was raised in a culturally rich American city and studied mathematics at Villanova University.

He pursued his priestly formation at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago before obtaining a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

It was not his academic accolades but the 14 years he spent as a missionary in Peru that most deeply shaped his pastoral identity.

There, in one of South America’s poorest regions, he worked closely with the marginalised, gaining firsthand insight into social injustice, poverty, and spiritual hunger.

This lived experience grounded his commitment to the poor, informed his theology of proximity, and laid the foundation for a papacy rooted in social justice, humility, and global outreach.

Leo XIV’s choice of name is more than ceremonial; it is a carefully calibrated message.

His name honours two great figures in Church history: St. Leo the Great, a fifth-century pope renowned for his doctrinal clarity and steadfast defense of Rome during political and theological turmoil.

It also honours Pope Leo XIII, whose groundbreaking 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the plight of workers during the industrial age and laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.

Prof. Brandon Gallaher of the University of Exeter, UK, likened Leo XIV to Francis, whose legacy of inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and concern for the Global South continues to inspire.

“Many analysts believe Leo XIV was chosen as a ‘continuity candidate,’ meant to solidify and institutionalise Francis’s reforms.

“Leo XIV is very much a ‘Francis-like’ pontiff.

“He shares Francis’s concern for the peripheries and the poor, but he also brings a more canonically grounded and disciplined approach to Church governance,” he said.

According to Dr Gonzalo Berenguer, a historian from the University of Bristol, his name, background, and tone all signal a commitment to build on, not reverse Francis’s revolution in Church life.

Catholic scholars say Leo XIV assumes the papal reins at a moment of significant turbulence for both the Church and the world.

They listed some of the church’s pressing challenges as: Internal Reform and Transparency; ongoing fallout from clergy abuse scandals has damaged the Church’s moral authority; strengthening accountability will be a key focus.

“Social Justice: Poverty, migration, and economic disparity remain core global issues; Leo XIV’s Peruvian experience positions him to speak credibly on these matters.

“Climate Change and Environment: Continuing the legacy of Laudato Si’, Leo XIV is expected to advocate forcefully for ecological stewardship.

“Inclusivity and Youth Engagement: The new pontiff has expressed interest in creating space for women, youth, and marginalised voices within Church structures and discussions.

“Global Engagement: As digital communication reshapes culture, Leo XIV must navigate a path that keeps Catholic teaching relevant and accessible without compromising doctrine.”

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described Leo XIV’s election as “a milestone of hope and renewal”.

President Bola Tinubu, who attended Leo XIV’s inauguration, lauded the pope’s global perspective and experience with Nigeria’s Augustinian communities, calling Leo XIV’s elevation “a new chapter for Church-African cooperation.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed Leo XIV as a voice for unity and peace.

“At a time of geopolitical division and deep societal fractures, Leo XIV brings a message the world needs to hear,” he said.

Mr Peter Obi, former Anambra Governor and Labour Party Presidential candidate in 2023, who also attended the inauguration, called the new pope “a respected canon lawyer and seasoned missionary,” highlighting his role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops before becoming pontiff.

Analysts say Leo XIV’s duality of identity is more than symbolic as it informs his leadership style– humble, yet decisive, and his theology–rooted in Gospel fidelity but open to dialogue with the modern world.

Before the conclave, Leo XIV gained attention for his measured but clear social media presence, including posts critical of political leaders he believed misrepresented Christian teaching.

From Rome to Rio, Lagos to Abuja and Los Angeles, Catholics are watching closely; will Leo XIV be the builder of bridges?; the reformer with legal acumen?; the lion-hearted shepherd the Church needs?

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) described the personal invitation by Leo XIV to Tinubu to attend his inauguration as a reflection of Nigeria’s great stature in the comity of nations.

Mr Emeka Nwankpa, Chairman of TMSG, said that Tinubu was the first Nigerian president in recent memory to attend a papal inauguration.

“When the Presidency announced that Tinubu would attend the inauguration of Leo XIV, it mentioned that the papal invitation by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin underscored the need for the President’s physical presence.

“For us, it represents the importance the Vatican accords the President and the country, especially as the inauguration ceremony was Pope Leo’s first interaction with world leaders.

“Indeed, the Pope had brief interactions with all international leaders in attendance, including Tinubu, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.”

According to Nwankpa, Tinubu’s presence at the Pope’s inauguration marks the first time in 20 years that a Nigerian leader attended a papal inauguration.

“In 2005, when Pope Benedict XVI was inaugurated, there is no record showing then-President Olusegun Obasanjo attended, though Nigeria had a delegation.

“When Pope Francis was inaugurated in March 2013, the Nigerian delegation was headed by then Senate President David Mark, who delivered former President Goodluck Jonathan’s congratulatory letter to the Pope.

“But Tinubu, a Muslim, not only accepted the papal invitation but attended and told newsmen his presence was consistent with achieving unity in diversity.”

The group said it was reassuring, especially as some Nigerian Christians had expressed reservations about peaceful coexistence and religious harmony following the President’s Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 election.

“We note that during Tinubu’s meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, he reaffirmed his commitment to using ‘our diversity, not for adversity but for prosperity,” Nwankpa said.

He expressed hope that many more Nigerians would appreciate the President as a fair-minded leader, contrary to pre-election impressions promoted by the opposition.

Catholic pundits and critical observers say Leo XIV has become a symbol of hope and unity; but for many, the central question remains: What future lies ahead for Catholics under this historic American pontiff? (NANFeatures)

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