Tinubu Returns Home Today, mourns Pope Francis

By Inegbagha Majesty

 President Bola Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria today, 21st April after a two-week working visit to Europe.

President Bola Tinubu

 

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, said this on his X handle.

“President Bola Tinubu will return home today,” the spokesman said in a brief statement.

The President, who departed Nigeria on April 2 for Paris, France, held a high-level meeting with Mr Massad Boulos, the U.S. Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa.

The discussion focused on deepening bilateral cooperation to enhance regional security and sustainable economic development across Africa.

After his engagements in Paris, Tinubu proceeded to London over the weekend, where he continued consultations and maintained regular communication with senior government officials in Abuja”.

In another development, President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Pope Francis, describing him as a champion of the poor and a guiding light to millions.

Tinubu said Pope Francis served God and the Church till his death on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

In a statement he personally signed, Tinubu urged the world to celebrate Pope Francis’ legacies and honour his words.

He said: “Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions. His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.

“His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end. In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.

“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home—this Earth—is a gift we must protect for future generations.

“He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity. In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor.

“He was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions.

“His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant. Through his pastoral letters, the Pope offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world. He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds.

“In my 2025 Easter Message, I joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff. I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica.

“Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change. May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom.

“As we mourn the late Pontiff, let us also celebrate his legacy. Let us honour him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I extend condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful.”

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu in his Easter message has pledged to deliver a better, more just and prosperous nation for all Nigerians.

The President while commenting on security skirmishes in certain parts of the country expressed his government’s resolve to restore peace and security in the troubled areas.

He also disclosed that his administration was working towards stabilising the sectors towards building an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all.

Tinubu therefore charged Nigerians to keep hope alive, remain united and resolute in pursuing national progress.

The 10-paragrah Easter message personally signed by the President read: “I heartily felicitate Christians in Nigeria and worldwide as they commemorate Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection—the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

“The Holy Week, which spans Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday and Good Friday and culminates in Easter Sunday, calls us to reflect deeply on the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope.

“As President of our blessed nation, I draw inspiration from this timeless message of hope and renewal. I remain steadfast in my commitment to delivering the promise of a Renewed Hope, a better, more just, and prosperous Nigeria for all.

“The recent tragic incidents and the loss of lives in some parts of our country deeply saddened me. I understand the pain and fear these incidents have caused. Let me assure you that my administration’s resolve to restore peace and security remains unshakable. Forces of evil will never prevail over our country. I have given clear directives to the Armed Forces and all relevant security agencies to end insecurity decisively and without delay. With the unwavering courage and commitment of our gallant men and women in uniform, we are turning the tide and making steady progress in reclaiming peace and stability.”

He added: “We are also grateful to all Nigerians for your patience and resilience as our economy begins to show encouraging signs of recovery. We understand the economic challenges many of you are facing, and we are working tirelessly to restore investor confidence, stabilise key sectors, and build an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all Nigerians.

“During this Easter, we join the global Christian community in thanking God for Pope Francis’s recovery. We pray that his renewed strength continues to inspire his leadership and service to humanity.

“I earnestly pray that Easter’s spirit fills every heart and home with renewed faith in the immense possibilities ahead of us as a nation. Just as Christ triumphed over death, so too shall our country triumph over every challenge we face. The present moment may be cloudy, but it will usher in a glorious day.

“I urge all Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and resolute in pursuing national progress. The task before us is enormous, but together, with faith and determination, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. Our unity and resilience are our greatest strengths.”

For his part, Jonathan urged Christians and other Nigerians to leverage the lessons of Christ’s resurrection and imbibe the message of hope and victory over the nation’s current challenges.

In his 2025 Easter message, Jonathan encouraged Nigerians to remain positive and draw strength from Christ’s love and sacrificial death for humanity and his gift of salvation.

He reminded leaders to be selfless and embrace the virtues of servanthood, sacrifice and passion for service as exemplified by Jesus Christ.