The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, says he recently visited Rome, the capital of Italy for the celebration of Jubilee Year, an event marked every twenty-five years, and sought forgiveness for Nigeria’s national transgressions and implored God to intervene in the suffering of the Nigerian people.
Mr Obi, who disclosed that he Visited Rome with his wife, said he also prayed for the injection into the nation’s political landscape selfless and compassionate leaders whose hearts God would touch—leaders who would be truthful in word and deed, altruistic in service, and committed to using public resources for the common good.
“Leaders whose decisions would reflect competence, capacity, character, and commitment to the welfare of all. Leaders who understand that they were not created to live in isolation but in community with others, and must ensure that actions are for the benefit of the community.
“With hearts full of gratitude, we thanked God that, despite our differences and the many challenges faced over sixty-five years of independence, He has kept us together as one nation – a rare and profound blessing for which we remain deeply thankful,” he added.
In a post on his X handle on Sunday, the Businessman cum Politician revealed that he also visited the United States, where he spoke at the 1st Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington D.C.
Obi said as part of their pilgrimage, they passed through three Holy Doors of the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome, praying at each that God would open the door of His mercy to Nigeria.
“At St. Mary Major, we prayed, passed through the Holy Door, and reflected at the grave of the late Pope Francis. From there, we journeyed to the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where Cardinal James Harvey warmly received us, led us through the Holy Door, and shared the basilica’s rich history and the deep significance of the Jubilee Year.
“Our third stop was the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, where, together with other pilgrims, we passed through the Holy Door and joined in prayer.
“We then proceeded to the Scala Sancta – the Holy Steps which Jesus ascended before Pontius Pilate – where we prayed with profound reverence, completing a day of deep spiritual reflection at some of Rome’s most sacred sites,” he said.
Continuing, he said: “we rose early for the Papal General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, where we were blessed to hear the Catechesis of His Holiness on hope, perseverance, and steadfast faith in times of hardship. Afterwards, we passed through the final Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, praying and reflecting deeply on God’s mercy, thus completing our pilgrimage through the four doors with hearts filled with gratitude and renewed faith.
“At St. Peter’s, we were privileged to be received in audience by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, to whom we humbly appealed for prayers for our beloved country, Nigeria.
“Along the way, we met several Nigerian pilgrims: men and women of faith whose faces shone with quiet hope. Together, we renewed our trust in God’s divine mercy and in the promise of a renewed and better Nigeria.
“I believe fervently in the power and providence of God. Yet, as we lift our nation before Him in prayer, we must not surrender to fatalism. Faith does not absolve us of responsibility; rather, it calls us to action. As Nigerians, we must each continue to do our part – with honesty, diligence, and love – for the healing and progress of our country.”
