Tinubu Appoints Akpabio to Lead Nigerian Delegation to Pope Francis’ Funeral
President Bola Tinubu has dispatched a distinguished Nigerian delegation to Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
In a statement issued on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been appointed to lead the five-member delegation representing Nigeria at the solemn occasion.
Joining Akpabio are Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; Matthew Hassan Kukah, Archbishop of the Sokoto Diocese; and Ignatius Ayua Kaigama, Archbishop of the Abuja Diocese.
The funeral of the late pontiff, revered globally as a voice of compassion, justice, and humility, is scheduled to take place on Saturday within the hallowed grounds of the Vatican.
The Nigerian delegation is expected to formally present a letter of condolence from President Tinubu to the acting head of the Vatican, expressing the nation’s deep sorrow over the pope’s passing.
Earlier in the week, President Tinubu joined millions around the world in mourning the spiritual leader, describing him as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.”
In his tribute, the president noted the poignancy of Pope Francis’ passing shortly after Easter Sunday, calling it “a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”
