The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for the rededication of the country to God to allow for a nation where everyone will live as united people.
The President of CBCN and Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, made the call on Thursday when he led a delegation of Archbishops and Bishops on a courtesy visit to Governor Godwin Obaseki, in Benin, Edo State.
Kaigama who said the bishops were in Edo to mark the centenary of Lady Fatima’s Apparition pointed out that they would seek God’s intervention for the country and pray for leaders in positions of authority.
He said: ‘’We are in Benin to pray for peace and the reconsecration of the country; that the north and south will see themselves as one.
“Muslims and Christians will live as brothers and sisters and ethnic groups will live in harmony harmony.”
The cleric called on leaders to adopt the principle of working and praying in order to succeed.
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Speaking at the occasion, the governor commended the church for its pivotal role of reconciliation and stabilising the society.
He expressed delight that the state was hosting another religious conference as the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria had held theirs earlier in the year.
The governor used the occasion to seek collaboration with the church to strengthen basic education, healthcare and social welfare services in the state.
Obaseki said that with oil prices no longer what it used to be, Nigeria’s future economy would be knowledge-driven hence Edo was keen on collaborating with the church and other groups interested in contributing to society.
The highlight of the visit was presentation of a statue of the Virgin Mary to the governor as well as prayers offered for his administration, the state and the country.