The Nigerian delegation attending Pope Francis’ funeral ceremonies, which are set for this Saturday, is led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who has arrived in Vatican City.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Akpabio to lead the team representing Nigeria at the late Pontiff’s final ceremonies. The delegation includes several prominent figures from both the government and religious circles.
Akpabio is accompanied by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama of Abuja, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.
On Friday, Akpabio took to Facebook to share his reflections and extend the country’s condolences.
“As the leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the burial ceremony of Pope Francis, I paid tribute to our departed Pope, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people, at the Lying-in-State of Pope Francis inside St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City,” he wrote.
The Nigerian delegation joins global leaders and faithful Catholics in paying their final respects to the revered spiritual leader.
