The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Catholic Church in education, healthcare, and social development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), held on Sunday in Obot Akara, Akwa Ibom State, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s resolve to strengthen Catholic-owned schools and hospitals across the country.
Delivering his keynote address titled “Church and State as Partners in National Transformation and Human Development,” Akpabio emphasized the critical role of the Catholic Church in shaping society. He praised its contributions to education, where schools nurture both the mind and the soul, and healthcare, where hospitals have consistently provided refuge for the sick and the poor.
“Rest assured that the Tinubu Administration shall strengthen your schools that train not only the mind but also the soul. In healthcare, we shall work with your hospitals and clinics, which for decades have been the refuge of the sick and the poor,” Akpabio assured.
Beyond education and healthcare, he stressed that the administration will uphold justice, human rights, and youth empowerment through closer partnerships with faith-based institutions.
Church as a Pillar of Accountability
The Senate President highlighted how the Church has historically held governments accountable while complementing state efforts in social welfare. He cited recent government actions such as the Student Loan Act, minimum wage approval, and steps to cushion economic burdens by moderating tariff hikes.
He also recalled how the Catholic Church and other Christian leaders stood firm against dictatorship and injustice in Nigeria and other parts of the world. Akpabio honored the legacies of Archbishop Gabriel Ganaka, Cardinal Anthony Okogie, and international figures such as Pope John Paul II, who used the moral authority of the Church to inspire courage, freedom, and justice in difficult times.
A Call for Stronger Collaboration
Akpabio reiterated that the Church’s voice remains essential in national transformation. He assured the Catholic Bishops that the National Assembly would continue to listen to their counsel and ensure their input influences governance positively.
“Your voice is not ornamental, it is essential; your counsel is not optional, it is indispensable,” he affirmed.
While officially declaring the event open, Akpabio described Akwa Ibom as the “Gilgal of Nigeria,” a spiritual gathering place for renewal and covenant.
The plenary meeting brought together Catholic Bishops, clergy, and government leaders to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at fostering national development and human dignity.
