Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will strengthen Catholic schools and hospitals in Nigeria, describing them as critical partners in the country’s social and human development.
Akpabio gave the assurance on Sunday while speaking at the opening of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Obot Akara, Akwa Ibom State. Delivering a keynote address titled “Church and State as Partners in National Transformation and Human Development,” he commended the Catholic Church for its long-standing role in education, healthcare, and social justice.
He noted that Catholic schools have shaped not only intellect but also character, while Catholic hospitals have for decades provided refuge to the sick and vulnerable. “This administration will stand with you to strengthen your schools and support your hospitals and clinics. We will uphold justice and human rights and partner with faith-based institutions to equip young people for the challenges ahead,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also highlighted the Church’s historic role in holding governments accountable, recalling how Catholic leaders in Nigeria and abroad have stood up for democracy, defended the poor, and offered hope in difficult times.
He stressed that government policies such as the Student Loan Act, the new minimum wage, and restrained tariff hikes were all designed to ease hardship and expand opportunities, while Nigeria’s diplomatic approach in the Niger crisis showed commitment to peace.
“As President of the Senate, I assure you that we will continue to work with the Church. Your voice is essential, your counsel indispensable, and your role in national life cannot be overlooked,” Akpabio pledged.
Declaring the event open, he described Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s “Gilgal”—a place of covenant renewal—because of its tradition of hosting major faith-based gatherings that foster national unity and moral renewal.
