Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, delivered a thought-provoking message at the Episcopal Ordination of the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Simeon Nwobi, on Tuesday. In his address, Tinubu emphasized that the existence of a great nation cannot be separated from a tumultuous history.
Representing his father, Tinubu conveyed his optimism regarding Nigeria’s potential to rise again despite the challenges it has faced. Quoted as saying, “Despite the challenges facing us as a country, I am very optimistic that Nigeria will rise and shine again in the comity of nations because there is no great nation that does not have a negative past.”
Tinubu drew inspiration from the Bible to highlight the inherent universality of national adversity, underscoring that no exceptional nation has been spared from a difficult history. Citing the scripture, he stated, “There is no great nation that does not have a negative past. There is no country that doesn’t have challenges. But, as the Bible says, dry bones shall rise again.”
The son of Nigeria’s President urged religious leaders in attendance and the entire church community to seize the opportunity to pray for Nigeria’s unity, encouraging them to transcend religious, ethnic, and tribal differences in order to confront the challenges facing the nation together.
Turning his attention to the Episcopal Ordination ceremony, Tinubu expressed his deep affection and brotherly love for the unity of the church and the country. He firmly believed that the newly ordained Bishop, Most Rev. Nwobi, could play a pivotal role in fostering unity across religious, ethnic, and tribal lines in Nigeria.
Tinubu invoked the scriptural passage of Jeremiah 3:15, emphasizing his belief in God’s selection of Most Rev. Nwobi as a true witness to Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Overall, Seyi Tinubu’s address emphasized the significance of acknowledging and learning from Nigeria’s painful past, while remaining hopeful for a brighter future.
