Peter Gregory Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, recently shared a reflective statement following his visit to the Vatican for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
Standing once again under the iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, Obi was joined by Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, rekindling memories of their 2013 visit as sitting governors during the inauguration of Pope Francis.
Obi’s connection to the Vatican is not new. Over the years, he has returned on various occasions, including as a member of Nigeria’s official delegation to the canonisations of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. He also remains actively engaged with Scholas Occurrentes, a global initiative launched by Pope Francis to foster education, peace, and cultural dialogue.
This latest visit held deep personal and spiritual significance. Obi noted the power and poignancy of Pope Leo XIV’s homily, which emphasized a call to compassion, unity, and solidarity with the poor and forgotten. “The true measure of our love for God,” Obi reflected, “is found not in words but in the daily acts of kindness that uplift the vulnerable and restore human dignity.”
During the ceremony, Obi exchanged warm greetings with President Bola Tinubu and observed the inspiring diversity of leaders and pilgrims present—gathered in faith, hope, and a shared yearning for peace.
Reaffirming his commitment to national development, Obi offered prayers for Nigeria and pledged continued advocacy for investment in key sectors such as education and healthcare. He emphasized that a nation’s greatness depends on how well it empowers its people, especially through access to quality education and efforts to eradicate poverty.
He concluded with an optimistic note:
“A new Nigeria is POssible.”
