1) The visit has nothing to do with anything that happened in the USA. The meetings of the Catholic Bishops Conference are organised a long time before the meetings are actually held. The bishops are busy people and travel arrangements have to be made.
Furthermore, the Catholic Secretariat usually books an appointment for the bishops to see the president. The president is also a very busy person and such visits are organised well ahead of time. This visit must have been planned months in advance.
2) Members of the Catholic Bishops Conference have been having regular meetings with the president/head of state after their twice-yearly meetings for almost 40 years. I remember their meetings with Presidents Babangida, Obasanjo, Yar'Adua, Jonathan and Buhari. Here are some examples:
3) The fact that the Catholic bishops are visiting the president does not mean that all other bishops from all other denominations must visit the president. That just doesn't make any sense. These are members of a specific organisation called the Catholic Bishops Conference and you shouldn't expect to see non-members in the delegation.
4) The Catholic Bishops Conference does not endorse candidates for elections, neither do they endorse politicians. I created an entire thread about it here.
5) Anyone that has a message for the president that is different from the message of the Catholic bishops should book an appointment with the president and go and tell him the message. (We haven't yet even seen an account of what was discussed at the meeting, yet strange people are saying all kinds of things).
It has always been the norm that CBCN members see the president after their meeting. They usually use the opportunity to tell the president about their resolutions and they offer advice for the progress of Nigeria. This has been the case since Ibrahim Babangida was president.
A delegation of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) visited the president (as they usually do after their twice yearly meetings) and some funny people are asking if some other bishops that are not Catholic bishops were in the delegation. Can you imagine that?? Is that not funny?
THE JUBILE YEAR OF HOPE: A LIGHT FOR A NEW NIGERIA
A Communiqué issued at the end of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the CSN Resource Centre, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, 8 -14 March 2025
1. PREAMBLE
We, the Catholic Bishops’ of Nigeria, held our First Plenary Meeting for the year at the CSN Resource Centre, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, from 8-14 March 2025. Having prayerfully deliberated on issues affecting the Church and the Nigerian State, we issue this Communiqué:
2. THE JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE
The Holy Father Pope Francis on 9 May 2024 issued the Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025 titled, Spes Non Confundit (“Hope does not disappoint” Romans 5:5). With this document, the Holy Father invites the whole Church to reflect on and embrace the virtue of Hope. In his words: “Hope is born of love and based on the love springing from the pierced heart of Jesus upon the Cross” (Spes Non Confundit, 3). The Jubilee Year of Hope invites the whole world to a new impetus for renewal. It also presents the Church with a profound opportunity for introspection and renewed commitment to its mission within both the Nigerian and global contexts. It serves as a rallying call for renewed catechesis, scriptural literacy, and authentic Christian witnessing, ensuring that the Church remains a beacon of light to the society (cf. Matthew 5:14-16). In spite of the numerous challenges of the modern times, there is still a firm basis for hope. We are invited to embrace the virtue of hope with the certainty that it does not disappoint. The Lord is ever faithful to his Word (cf. Romans 8:28).
3. THE STATE OF THE NATION
(i) Positive Developments and Some Challenges
Our nation has recently witnessed some positive development. These include the reinvigoration of the Petroleum Industry, the rehabilitation of some dilapidated roads and the construction of new ones across the nation, the introduction of the student loan scheme, the new minimum wage, and the reduction in the debt service-to-revenue ratio and the proposal for new tax regime.
The Nigeria Correctional Service Act 2019 was a landmark in the history of prison services in Nigeria. It was a shift from the perception of the prison as a centre for retribution to a “correctional” facility with focus on reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration. We commend some cheering strides made by governments at various levels to promote agriculture. We equally appreciate the efforts of some security operatives, who put their lives on the line to fight the criminality and put an end to their savagery. We pray for healing for the wounded and eternal life for the dead. In spite of all these, our nation still has some serious challenges bordering on harsh socio-economic situation, persistent insecurity across the nation, rising youth unemployment and restiveness. There is high cost of essential goods, including food. Cases of kidnapping and the mindless killing of innocent people still abound.
4. THE WAY FORWARD
(i) Need for Unity and National Integration
We invite all to always pursue actions that make for unity and national integration. Again, we request our political, religious and traditional leaders to promote the spirit of national integration in the citizenry in order to instill hope and development. We demand that those governments that ordered the closure of all schools in some parts of the country, withdraw such order in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society We, as Church, promote integral education, health care and agriculture for individual and national development, and we require the enabling environment to play these roles among others.
Despite disappointments in the conduct of 2023 General Elections, we still encourage all eligible citizens to come out en masse and participate in future elections. We call for a strengthening of electoral laws and sincere execution of duties by state agents such as Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and the courts in order to restore trust in the electoral system. We urge our people to refuse to be cowed to silence and helplessness, but rather insist always on doing the right thing and having it done.
(ii) Some Insights for National Growth
For the provision of security of life and property in our nation, we urge that governments at all levels deploy high technology, like is already done in some states, to complement the efforts of security agencies for efficient intelligence gathering. There is also need for good remuneration for security personnel, better equipping of our security outfits and determination to prosecute crime without fear or favour. We still stop call on government at all levels to create an enabling environment for job opportunities in an ongoing manner. More investment is needed in agriculture to facilitate the involvement of the youth in it and boost provision of food in a sustainable manner. With improved security and safety for farmers, there will be greater production of food and reduction in the escalated cost of food all over Nigeria. We reaffirm the stand of the Catholic Church that capital punishment is unacceptable (CCC2267), we therefore make a passionate appeal to the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu especially in the light of the Jubilee Year of Hope, to grant pardon to Mr Sunday Jackson whose conviction was recently upheld by the Supreme Court.
⚫️To improve on the State of our custodial centres, we enjoin the Federal and State Governments to undertake the following:
⚫️ Uphold fundamental rights of inmates, treating them with dignity and adopting non -custodial measures in deserving cases.
⚫️ Expedite the dispensation of justice.
⚫️ Decongest the existing correctional centres by granting parole to well-behaved minor offenders.
⚫️ Rehabilitate the existing facilities, and
⚫️ Construct new correctional centres to ease overcrowding.
5. SPREADING A LIGHT FOR A NEW NIGERIA
The Jubilee Year as enshrined in the Book Leviticus 25 was a time of restoration, freedom and renewal. It was a time when debts were forgiven, captives were released, and the land was given rest. The Jubilee of Hope invites us to be agents of renewal, arising from restoration and freedom. We are called to be the light that dispels the darkness hovering over our land, which necessarily begins with each of us, from our homes to our Churches, from our workplaces to our government institutions. The desire for a New Nigeria must commit to truth, justice and love. We, therefore, call on all to be true to our worship of God, eschewing external religiosity and competition geared towards religious superiority or supremacy
While we put our hope in the Lord and continue to pray for a better nation, we must all play our prophetic role to create a new Nigeria by bringing about the necessary change and so rekindle hope once more in our nation. To bring our people back from the brink of despair, we must start with a clear call for a radical change of attitudes, and a veritable spiritual revolution. We have the spiritual resources to undertake this mission in the genuine values of Christianity and Islam the two major religions practised in our land.
Above all, to create a New Nigeria and rekindle hope among the populace, our nation needs political leaders of a high moral profile, who are able to administer public goods in line with the principles of honesty, transparency, and accountability (Ecclesia in Africa no, 111). As a purveyor of hope, the Media must resist obsession with reporting bad news at the expense of balanced reportage, which highlights what is happening in the society with equal passion. We enjoin the Government and security agencies to see the Media as partners in nation building.
6. EVENTS IN THE CHURCH
In union with the whole Church and the entire world, we pray for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, in this critical moment of ill health. We continue to pray for his speedy recovery. The Synod on Synodality, which dominated the attention of the Church from 2021 – 2024 was concluded with the approval of the Synod’s final document on 26 October, 2024 by Pope Francis. We are now at the implementation stage. Local Churches and groupings of Churches are invited to imbibe and implement in their context the authoritative indications contained in the Documents.
The Church in Nigeria as well as the Nigerian State is indeed happy to welcome the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Excellency, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty. He arrived the country on 23 October 2024. For him, we pray for a fruitful and pastorally ministry in our midst. Likewise, we congratulate Very Rev. Fr. Michael Leke Banjo, who assumed the Office of the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria on 1 January 2025. While wishing him a wonderful tenure, we thank the former Secretary General, Very Rev. Fr. Zechariah Samjumi, and wish him all the best of luck in his future endeavors.
We received with great sadness but with hope in the resurrection the news of the death of Most Rev Ayo- Maria Atoyebi, OP, Bishop Emeritus of Ilorin on 8 March, 2025. We convey our condolences to Ilorin Diocese, the Dominican Friars, and the Atoyebi family, with the assurances of prayers for his repose and the consolation of all who mourn him.
7. CONCLUSION: THE SEASON OF LENT AS A JOURNEY OF RENEWAL
As we begin the Lenten Season we pray with our Muslim Brethren who are observing the season Ramadan. The Season prepares us Christians to better embrace the virtue of hope. It invites us to repent of our sins and misdeeds against ourselves, the Church and our Country. It calls us to purge ourselves of our cynicism against the possibility of a better Nigeria. By this we are enabled to spread the light within the various segments of the society. May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven, spreading the joy and peace of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, throughout the earth. May it ignite in us a renewed faith, and may the light of Christ guide Nigeria to a future of peace, prosperity and righteousness. May our Blessed Mother, Mary ever Virgin, accompany us in this holy season, and may we emerge from this journey renewed, purified, and victorious. Amen.
+Lucius Iwejuru UGORJI +Donatus A. OGUN, OSA Archbishop of Owerri Bishop of Uromi President, CBCN Secretary, CBCN
"In the past twenty months, our administration has initiated over 78 road projects across 23 local governments in the state, covering a total of approximately 775 km," Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said today at the inauguration of the rehabilitation of Kabala-Costain Road.
“As part of the #KadunaUrbanRenewal Agenda of Former Gov @elrufai which kickstarted in 2019, the Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Link road was conceptualised with a 230m bride over River Kaduna.
The Project, which was awarded to @CCECC8 serves to open up the city, decongest the ever busy and famous River Kaduna bridge/Station Roundabout axis, and provide an alternative route to Barnawa and environs.
Furthermore, several commercially viable lands have been identified along this new route which will bolster economic growth and provide opportunities for sustainable industrialisation, thereby creating more jobs.
Mallam @elrufai was at the forefront, ensuring that the project is not stalled at no point in time. By mid 2022, the project has taken admirable shape with the most complex component (230m bridge) completed.
Residents exchanged views and opinions regarding the economic viability of the project as well as its massive importance for road users who spend hours stuck in vehicular traffic.
The people marvelled at the opportunity to reach Barnawa/Sabon Tasha axis within a 15mins drive.
Governance is a continuum. There is no progress without continuity, and no leader has ever accomplished EVERYTHING he/she sets out to conquer. Rather, Leaders do their best and leave the rest for their successors, which is a fair deal in Governance.
This is a clarion call, out of sheer statesmanship and patriotism, for His Excellency, The Governor of Kaduna, Senator @ubasanius to consider this project, and appropriate the necessary resources needed to complete and commission this project. The Flowers will definitely be shared between the present and previous administrations.”
Musa Bamaiyi writes from Barnawa, Kaduna South LGA, Kaduna State.
Not even a fan of El rufai, but this bridge you’re “flagging off” was initiated by El-rufai and is almost at 70% completion as at the last time I checked that axis out.
You claiming it was abandoned and taking photos with bulldozer is very funny Sani, Na so you Dey do?
FACT: According to the CCECC, the company who undertook the construction of the Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama link road under the previous administration confirmed that the work they did was only 30% with outstanding payments owed them. Only 800m out of the 2.8KM road was done.
Governor Uba Sani is committed to completing projects that are of benefit to the people and has now taken steps to complete the construction work amidst the very difficult terrain which will cost more resources. #WorkingForKaduna
FACT: According to the CCECC, the company who undertook the construction of the Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama link road under the previous administration confirmed that the work they did was only 30% with outstanding payments owed them. Only 800m out of the 2.8KM road was done.… pic.twitter.com/l5qXYeCuUV
“It is my great honour to stand here to represent CCECC Nigeria Limited as a contractor for the completion of Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama link dual carriage road project. As many of you recall our company initially undertook this project three years ago.
Unfortunately, due to the misunderstanding faced we were forced to halt work when the project was only 30%. The financial challenge we face were profound by serious geologic issues that were indefinitely during this construction pace.
Today, however we are filled with renewed hope and optimism, we will like to commend the people’s governor senator Dr. Uba Sani for taking this giant stride and ensure this important project is back on track. His commitment to infrastructural development in Kaduna state is commendable and we are grateful for the confidence he has placed on us to see the project through to completion. I’m please to announce we have received 50% advance payment”
“It is my great honour to stand here to represent CCECC Nigeria Limited as a contractor for the completion of Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama link dual carriage road project. As many of you recall our company initially undertook this project three years ago.
Kaduna Update: The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has today kickstarted the completion of the link road from Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama.
It is important to note that, this project was abandoned in December 2022, with only about 800 meters (about 30%) of the road completed, along with a 278-meter dual bridge.
This particular abandoned project has encountered challenges, including outstanding debts related to the completed portion, totalling 2.2 billion Naira.
In line with his commitment to complete all significant inherited projects, Senator Uba Sani has settled all outstanding debts and mobilized the contractors back to the site.
The completion of this road will not only enhance connectivity but also help reduce congestion along Junction Road.
The attached video shows the state in which the administration of Governor Uba Sani inherited the project.
Kaduna Update: The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has today kickstarted the completion of the link road from Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama.
It is important to note that, this project was abandoned in December 2022, with only about 800 meters (about 30%) of the road… pic.twitter.com/CYIMlyD0Gs
Rejoinder: Setting the Record Straight on the Kabala Costain–Aliyu Makama Link Road Project
Our attention has been drawn to recent claims suggesting that the Kabala Costain–Aliyu Makama Link Dual Carriage Road project was abandoned by the previous administration after only 30% completion. This assertion is not only misleading but a deliberate attempt to downplay the significant progress made before the current administration took over.
For the record, as of May 2023, the project had already reached 75% completion, contrary to the claim of 30%. The bridge linking Kabala and Barnawa was fully completed under the previous administration, providing a critical connection between these communities.
The unfortunate reality is that the incumbent administration failed to continue and complete the project in a timely manner, leading to unnecessary delays. Instead of acknowledging this lapse, the government has chosen to misrepresent the facts, portraying a well-advanced project as abandoned. The lack of continuity in laudable and developmental projects initiated by the previous administration has been a setback to the people of Kaduna State.
It is important to remind the government that governance is about progress, not propaganda. The people deserve responsible leadership that builds on past achievements rather than rewriting history for political gain. We urge Governor Uba Sani to focus on actual governance by completing the remaining 25% of the project without further delay, rather than misrepresenting the facts to score political points.
Development should be about service delivery, not political narratives. The facts remain clear: this project was never abandoned but was unfortunately stalled due to a lack of continuity and commitment from the current administration. The people of Kaduna State deserve better.
Emanuel Audu Adamu Bayan Dutse Narayi, Kaduna south
Kaduna Update: The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has arrived in Kabala to kickstart the completion of the link road from Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama.
It is important to note that, this project was abandoned in December 2022, with only about 800 meters (about 30%) of the road completed, along with a 278-meter dual bridge.
This particular project has encountered challenges, including outstanding debts related to the completed portion, totalling 2.2 billion Naira.
In line with his commitment to complete all significant inherited projects, Senator Uba Sani has settled all outstanding debts and mobilized the contractors back to the site with over 50% of the money required for the completion of the project.
The completion of this road will not only enhance connectivity but also help reduce congestion along Junction Road.
In a move aimed at alleviating the suffering of residents of Kabala Constain and connecting communities in Kaduna North and Kaduna South, I had the honour today of flagging off the completion of the abandoned Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Link Dual Carriage Road.
Today's flag - off marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards progress and development. This road is more than a mere infrastructure project; it is a lifeline for our people, a channel for commerce, and a pathway to opportunity. Once completed, it will serve a substantial population within Kaduna City, especially the masses.
The road will also serve as an alternative route for long distance travellers in the event of traffic congestion on other roads. It will therefore enhance easy movement for those traveling from the northeastern and northwestern parts of the country to the Federal Capital Territory and beyond. Mobility and accessibility, as we all know, are essential for economic growth and social integration.
Since assuming office in May 2023, our administration has been unwavering in its commitment to infrastructure development. We have initiated several new road projects and revitalised some abandoned ones that are critical to our people’s welfare. The Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Link Road is one of such projects that we inherited. It was only 30% completed when we took over. To ensure that the remaining 70% is completed in record time, we have mobilised the contractor with more than half of the funds to complete this great project.
In the past 20 months, our administration has initiated over 78 road projects across the 23 local governments of Kaduna State, covering a total of approximately 775 kilometres. These projects are not just numbers; they represent the dreams and aspirations of our people. We are ensuring that contractors are adequately funded and that they adhere to project deadlines. Our focus is clear: we are dedicated to connecting local communities and providing social and economic benefits to all.
On December 24, 2024, we commissioned 21 of these road projects. We are steadily fulfilling our promises to the good people of Kaduna State. We are simultaneously transforming rural and urban poor communities that have often been overlooked. We understand that infrastructure is the backbone of development, and we will continue to prioritise projects that uplift our citizens and improve their quality of life.
As we embark on this journey of completing the Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Link Dual Carriage Road, I urge all stakeholders, including the contractors and community leaders, to work collaboratively and diligently. Let us ensure that we deliver this project on time and to the highest standards for the benefit of our people.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making this project a reality. I thank the good people of Kaduna State for their sustained support to our administration and for individually and collectively contributing to the peace we currently enjoy in the state. The atmosphere of peace and security has enabled our administration to fully concentrate on delivering dividends of democracy to our people. We have fulfilled our electoral promise of extending road infrastructure to the 23 local governments of Kaduna State. Together, we are building a brighter future for Kaduna State.
Senator Uba Sani, Governor, Kaduna State. March 12th, 2025
Following the launch of Kaduna BRT as @ubasanius delivers yet again. Other governors and administrators shouldn’t wait till their cities become crowded before they start proactively addressing the potential challenges of a metropolis.
SPEECH OF THE MD, KADUNA STATE TRANSPORT REGULATORY AUTHORITY ON THE LAUNCH OF THE KADUNA BUS RAPID TRANSIT (KBRT)
We are extremely honored by your presence as we mark a significant milestone through the launch of the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) project in Kaduna State.
It is my honor to stand before you today to celebrate this remarkable achievement, in our journey towards transforming transportation in Kaduna State. This project, Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT), represents a tremendous opportunity to enhance mobility, reduce traffic congestion, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life for our citizens. We are excited about the potentials of this project and are fully committed to ensuring its successful implementation.
Today His Excellency the Governor is going to unveil the KBRT project kickstart as the groundbreaking was done in 2022 without fulfilling the agreement of financial commitment by previous administration.
In 2023 August, His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, directed the release of N97 million as counterpart funding, a crucial move that revived the implementation of the project. Underscoring the strategic importance of a well-functioning transport system, he further allocated N699 million in the 2024 budget to accelerate the execution of the KBRT project.
In the 2025 budget, Governor Uba Sani has made a budgetary provision of N30 billion, with N5 billion set aside as part of the counterpart funding, to reinforce the commitment of his administration to see the project through to effective completion.
This commitment underscores the Governor’s vision for a modern, inclusive, and economically vibrant Kaduna, where infrastructure development is at the heart of sustainable growth.
Going forward, residents of Kaduna should expect visible progress, with the construction of transit corridors and other social and economic infrastructure.
Kaduna State serves as a transport hub that connects the southern and northern regions of the country. This vital role, however, has led to significant challenges in transportation and security. In our effort to address these issues, we identified over 60 illegal motor parks across the city.
In response to these challenges, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator (Mal.) Uba Sani for the launch of the KBRT project alongside the ground breaking for the construction of the interstate Southern Terminal motor park that will harmonize all motor parks from Stadium Roundabout to Sabon Tasha, right here in Kakuri, today. Your leadership, sir, has been a guiding light throughout this process, inspiring us to strive for excellence and remain committed to our goals. We are truly fortunate to have you at the helm.
I would also like to recognize the invaluable contribution of the Honorable Commissioner of the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure (MPWI) and other relevant stakeholders whose expertise and guidance have been instrumental in bringing this vision to fruition.
We wish to register our sincere appreciation to Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), our partners of this great project, as their support has been crucial in making this dream become a reality. Their commitment and collaboration have been critical success factors.
Together, we are embarking on a transformative journey that will not only enhance our transportation system but also set a benchmark for sustainable urban mobility in Nigeria.
We thank you all for gracing this occasion, and look forward to your continued support as we move forward with the KBRT project.
Engineer Inuwa Ibrahim is the Managing Director, Kaduna Transport Company Ltd (KTCL) & Acting DG, Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA).
Eng. Inuwa Ibrahim @engineer_inuwa
Today, His Excellency, Governor @ubasanius , officially unveils the KBRT project, a vision that began with a groundbreaking in 2022 but faced setbacks due to financial constraints. However, under his leadership, the project was revived in August 2023 with the release of N97 million as counterpart funding.
Further demonstrating his commitment, the Governor allocated N699 million in the 2024 budget and has now made a provision of N30 billion in the 2025 budget, with N5 billion set aside as counterpart funding, ensuring the successful completion of this transformative initiative.
Kaduna serves as a critical transport hub connecting the northern and southern regions of Nigeria. However, this role has brought challenges, including transportation inefficiencies and security concerns. To address these, we identified over 60 illegal motor parks across the city. In response, the Governor is not only launching the KBRT project today but also breaking ground for the Southern Terminal Motor Park in Kakuri, a move that will streamline transportation from Stadium Roundabout to Sabon Tasha.
Thank you, Governor @ubasanius, and all partners for making this vision a reality.
Politics › Re: President Tinubu Receives Delegation Of Catholic Bishops At The Aso Rock Villa by naptu2(op): 8:15pm On Mar 14, 2025*. Modified: 8:31pm On Mar 14, 2025
The ignorance is thick.
