Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his dedication to lifting Nigerians out of poverty and investing in critical sectors such as education and healthcare, as he joined other world leaders at the Vatican for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
In a message shared via his official X handle on Saturday, Obi described the event as a “deeply significant moment” and recalled attending a similar occasion in 2013 alongside Dr. Kayode Fayemi for the installation of Pope Francis.
Credit: Peter Obi’s X
“Today, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and I stood once again beneath the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV,” Obi wrote. “It evoked memories of our presence here as governors in 2013 for the inauguration of Pope Francis.”
Obi revealed that he has visited the Vatican several times, including as part of Nigeria’s delegation to the canonizations of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. He noted that his work with Scholas Occurrentes, an initiative founded by Pope Francis, continues to reflect his commitment to global efforts promoting education, peace, and intercultural dialogue.
At the event, Obi said he exchanged greetings with Tinubu and other dignitaries but emphasized that the highlight for him was the new Pope’s “profoundly moving” homily.
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“What stood out most was the Holy Father’s profoundly moving homily — especially his heartfelt appeal for us to journey together towards God by embracing the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten. He spoke with a clarity that pierced the heart: that the true measure of our love for God lies not in grand declarations, but in the quiet, persistent acts of compassion that uplift the vulnerable and restore dignity to the marginalized,” Obi stated.
The former governor expressed hope that the Pope’s message would inspire Nigerian leaders to take decisive action in confronting poverty. He also renewed his personal commitment to investing in the nation’s future.
“For my part, I offered earnest prayers to God for our nation and also renewed my commitment to championing bold and sustained investment in the critical sectors — especially education, healthcare delivery, and pulling people out of poverty — believing that a well-educated population is the foundation upon which a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation must be built,” he added.
Obi ended his message with a familiar phrase: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
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