President Bola Tinubu has encouraged Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to turn the country’s differences into a tool for peace and fast development.

This message came from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said Tinubu spoke in Rome during a meeting with Nigerian Catholic bishops.

The bishops were in Tinubu’s delegation to attend the installation mass for Pope Leo XIV on Sunday.

Tinubu said that if Nigerians use their diversity for good instead of division, it would bring peace and growth to the nation.

He also urged leaders at every level to focus on improving the lives of ordinary people. Tinubu said it was a proud moment for him to be president during the installation of a new pope in Rome.

Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, who leads the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, thanked Tinubu for making it possible for them to visit the Vatican — first for Pope Francis’ burial and now for the new pope’s installation.

The archbishop said this event marks the beginning of a closer connection between the bishops and the Nigerian president.

He praised Tinubu for always being supportive and invited him to attend future bishop conferences in Nigeria, just like he met with the Holy Father.

Also present at the meeting were Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.