Akume Reaffirms FG’s Partnership with Catholic Church at Bishops’ Conference
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has pledged the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to deepening collaboration with the Catholic Church for national development, peace, and social cohesion.
Delivering a goodwill message at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) First Plenary Meeting of 2026 in Abuja Sunday, Akume described the gathering as a pivotal forum for reflection on Nigeria’s spiritual and socio-economic challenges.
He praised the Church’s “monumental” contributions through its schools, hospitals, and humanitarian work, especially for the poor and vulnerable, and hailed its role as a moral compass advocating good governance, transparency, and human dignity.
“Nigeria stands at a defining moment, with citizens yearning for peace, justice, economic stability, and accountable leadership,” Akume stated, noting that the bishops’ pastoral letters reflect the nation’s conscience, rooted in Gospel values.
As a Knight of St. John International, the SGF urged bridging faith and governance with moral integrity. He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s focus on economic reform, youth empowerment, interreligious harmony, security, and social protection.
Akume commended the Church’s interfaith dialogue amid insecurity and division, assuring that “transformation requires patience, sacrifice, and collective effort,” with the Church’s prayers being invaluable.He prayed for fruitful deliberations yielding stronger evangelization, pastoral care, and contributions to national stability.
The plenary, attended by bishops and clergy, underscores ongoing government-Church ties amid Nigeria’s security and economic pressures.
