TINUBU RETURNS TO ABUJA AFTER ATTENDING HISTORIC PAPAL INAUGURATION IN ROME

May 21, 2025

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Abuja on Tuesday evening following his trip to Rome, Italy, where he attended the historic inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

The presidential jet touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 6:50 p.m. and was received at the presidential wing by top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje.

Tinubu had departed Abuja on Saturday after receiving an official invitation to attend the papal inauguration ceremony, which marked a rare and significant event in the global Catholic Church.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony in Rome, President Tinubu described the occasion as historic and expressed pride in representing Nigeria at such a globally symbolic moment. He emphasized the importance of embracing national diversity, describing it as a strength that can drive unity and development.

The president also used the opportunity to urge Nigerian leaders at all levels to prioritize the welfare of citizens, stressing that leadership should be rooted in service and compassion.

“It is a profound moment, and I am honoured to witness it as President of Nigeria,” Tinubu said of the papal installation.