By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, CSN
Despite a demanding plenary schedule, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria graciously made time on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, to honour the invitation of the Government of Akwa Ibom State for a State House reception at the Government House in Uyo. Their presence reflects a deep commitment to fostering mutual respect and constructive collaboration between the Church and the state, in pursuit of the common good and the well-being of all citizens.
Present at the Government House to warmly receive the Apostolic Nuncio and the Catholic Bishops were the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno; the Deputy Governor, Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi; the First Lady Designate and Coordinator, Lady Helen Eno Obareki; along with a full complement of senior government officials. Their presence manifested the state’s deep respect for the Catholic Church and its leadership.
In his opening remarks, the Archbishop of Oweeri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, expressed sincere gratitude to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State for the warm reception extended to the Bishops. He remarked, “We are very delighted to be here and to be hosted by the governor of Akwa Ibom State,” acknowledging the exceptional hospitality they had received since their arrival.
He went on to commend the people of Akwa Ibom for their generosity, describing it as a floodgate of kindness from which the Bishops had drawn abundantly. Applauding the government’s strides in infrastructure, Archbishop Ugorji observed that driving through the state’s highways felt like entering a different country altogether. He concluded with a blessing: “May God bless you, bless your family, and the good people of Akwa Ibom State.”
The Papal Nuncio, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, expressed sincere appreciation to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and his cabinet for their warm reception, commending the strong and respectful relationship between the Church and the State. He emphasised the importance of this collaborative partnership in promoting both the physical and spiritual well-being of the people.
He noted that the Church’s mission goes beyond preaching the Gospel; it also involves meeting the practical needs of society through education, healthcare, and active engagement in civil life. “When the Church works hand-in-hand with government and other societal institutions,” he said, “it is ultimately in service of the people, to whom both Church and State are accountable.”
Reflecting on his time in Nigeria, the Nuncio shared his joy at being able to travel beyond Abuja and experience the richness of the country firsthand. He praised the beauty and hospitality of Akwa Ibom State, concluding with a heartfelt reminder: “We are all pilgrims and messengers of peace.”
Governor Umo Eno, speaking on behalf of the members of his cabinet and the people of Akwa Ibom State, warmly thanked the Catholic Bishops for honouring his invitation to the State House. He expressed deep appreciation to the Conference for their spiritual leadership and moral guidance, both collectively and through the personal counsel he has often received from the Archbishop of Calabar, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem, who also serves as the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Christian Leadership Advisory Council. He stated that, “The world learns order and how things should be done from the Catholic Church.”
Going further, the Governor described his administration as a compassionate, people-centered government; one that leads with humility and a genuine concern for the welfare of its citizens. He counselled that power should not be mystified or wielded for self-interest, but rather demystified and used as a tool for service. True humility, he noted, is shaped by one’s upbringing and life experiences, not something acquired superficially.
Additionally, the number one citizen of the oil-rich state also highlighted the value of peace in Akwa Ibom, describing it as a divine blessing the state deeply cherishes. To sustain this peace, the government has launched the Security Trust Fund, which is a private initiative that has helped position Akwa Ibom as one of the safest and most welcoming states in Nigeria. In closing, Governor Eno affirmed his leadership philosophy: “In matters of governance, we run an Akwa Ibom united empire, with me as the captain.”
Most Rev. Camillus Umoh, the Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, thanked the governor for his kind disposition and generous support towards the hosting of the CBCN plenary. He also commended him for his friendship and his commitment to meaning and purposeful leadership in the State.
Some other guests received at the State House include Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, the CBCN Vice President. Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin of Ibadan, Archbishop Valerian Okeke of Onitsha, Archbishop Matthew Audu of Jos, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze of Benin, Archbishop Felix Job (emeritus Archbishop of Ibadan), and Archbishop Anthony Obinna (emeritus Archbishop of Owerri).
It is pertinent to note that the meeting between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and the Government of Akwa Ibom State reflects a healthy model of Church–State engagement which is rooted in mutual respect and the pursuit of the common good. Politically, the encounter carries symbolic and practical implications for governance, public perception, and Church–State relations. While the event’s symbolism is powerful, its long-term value will depend on whether it leads to sustained collaboration on tangible projects that improve the lives of citizens, and hopefully serve as a model for other areas of the country.
