By Grant Onyeke
Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has felicitated Pope Leo XIV on his 71st birthday, lauding his global leadership and commitment to peace.
Adebayo, in a congratulatory message issued in Abuja on Tuesday, praised the Catholic Pontiff’s humility, warmth and deep commitment to the cause of peace, human dignity and welfare of the vulnerable.
“I have had the singular privilege of being received by the Holy Father at the Vatican in the course of the past year.
“That encounter left in me a profound appreciation of his humility, warmth and deep commitment to the cause of peace, human dignity and the welfare of the vulnerable,” he stated.
Amid global challenges like poverty, conflict and technological shifts, the presidential candidate emphasised that Pope’s moral advocacy remained vital for Africa and Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria requires a peaceful global framework in which peace creates the space for development, technology serves humanity and international cooperation is directed toward lifting people out of poverty.
“As the world confronts wars, terrorism, poverty, displacement, inequality and a rapidly changing technological order, the moral voice of the Holy Father has become an important reminder that humanity must never lose sight of the dignity of the human person.
“His persistent call for peace, dialogue, reconciliation and solidarity is particularly significant for Africa, a continent whose young population carries enormous hopes but also faces serious security and developmental challenges.
“Nigeria, like many African nations, needs a world in which peace creates the space for development, technology serves humanity and international cooperation is directed toward lifting people out of poverty rather than deepening divisions,” he said.
The presidential candidate urged people around the world to celebrate the Pope as he marked another year in his life.
“May God continue to grant Pope Leo XIV the wisdom and courage to guide the Church and to contribute to the building of a more peaceful, just and compassionate world,” he prayed.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
GEO/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq