Senate President Godswill Akpabio will lead a five-member delegation to Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, as Nigeria pays its respects to the revered head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The delegation was constituted by President Bola Tinubu to formally represent the country at the funeral.
The delegation will deliver a letter conveying President Tinubu’s sympathy and condolences on Pope Francis’ passing to the Acting Head of the Vatican.
This gesture underscores the strong relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican, as well as the country’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the late Pope.
Alongside Akpabio, the delegation includes prominent figures from the government and the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, will represent the government, while Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese; and Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama of the Abuja Diocese will represent the Catholic community.
President Tinubu had earlier paid tribute to Pope Francis, describing him as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.” The President’s message reflects the high esteem in which Pope Francis was held globally, not just among Catholics but across faiths and communities.
The delegation’s attendance at the funeral is a testament to Nigeria’s respect for the Pope’s legacy and his contributions to global peace, interfaith dialogue, and social justice.
