……..Visits the United States, Attends Youth Assembly, Meets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that his recent visit to the United States and Rome was primarily to seek divine intervention for Nigeria, as the nation continues to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity, and leadership challenges.
In a statement personally issued on his official Facebook page on Sunday, Obi said he embarked on a two-day visit to the United States earlier this month, where he addressed members of the Friendship Club on Saturday, October 4, and spoke at the 1st Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, October 5.
According to him, he departed the U.S. that same night for Rome, arriving on October 6 to join his wife, who had travelled ahead, for a spiritual pilgrimage marking the Jubilee Year — an event celebrated every 25 years by the Catholic Church.
Obi disclosed that he and his wife used the opportunity to offer prayers for Nigeria, thanking God for sustaining the country despite its many challenges and divisions over the past 65 years of independence.
“We thanked God that despite our differences and difficulties, He has kept us together as one nation — a rare and profound blessing,” he said. “We sought forgiveness for our national transgressions and prayed for leaders with compassion, competence, character, and commitment to the common good.”
During the pilgrimage, Obi said they passed through three of the four Holy Doors of Rome’s major Papal Basilicas on Tuesday, October 7, praying for divine mercy upon Nigeria.
At St. Mary Major, they prayed and reflected at the grave of the late Pope Francis. They were later received by Cardinal James Harvey at St. Paul Outside the Walls, where they learned about the rich history and meaning of the Jubilee Year before proceeding to St. John Lateran Basilica. The day ended with prayers at the Scala Sancta — the Holy Steps which Jesus is believed to have ascended before Pontius Pilate.
On Wednesday, October 8, Obi and his wife attended the Papal General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, where they listened to Pope Leo XIV’s catechesis on hope, perseverance, and steadfast faith in adversity. They later passed through the fourth and final Holy Door at St. Peter’s, thus completing their Jubilee pilgrimage.
Obi revealed that he was granted an audience with His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, during which he requested special prayers for Nigeria.
He also met several Nigerian pilgrims in Rome, noting their unwavering faith and hope for a renewed nation.
“I believe deeply in God’s providence,” Obi stated. “But faith must lead to action. As Nigerians, we must each play our part with honesty, diligence, and love for the healing and progress of our country.”
The former Anambra governor reiterated his conviction that Nigeria’s recovery depends not only on divine grace but also on citizens’ collective responsibility to pursue justice, good governance, and national unity.
