Senate President Godswill Akpabio has disclosed that his recent trip to Italy included a spiritual pilgrimage during which he prayed for Nigeria and its leaders, particularly against insecurity, banditry and terrorism.
Akpabio made the disclosure while speaking about his visit to the Prayer Ground of St Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
The Senate President said he travelled to Rome, which he described as the capital of the Catholic Church and a major centre of Christianity, to seek divine intervention for Nigeria.
According to him, his prayers were not limited to President Bola Tinubu but also included Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Senate and National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians generally.
Explaining the purpose of the spiritual journey, Akpabio said he prayed for an end to the security challenges confronting the country.
“I prayed against insecurity, that God should free us from insecurity. I prayed against banditry. I prayed against terrorism,” he said.
He acknowledged that some people might find the decision to travel to Italy for prayers unusual, but said the journey was consistent with his Christian faith.
“It might look funny, but it’s the truth,” Akpabio said, explaining that he believes divine protection is essential alongside the efforts of those charged with protecting the country.
He referenced the biblical teaching that unless God protects a house, the efforts of its watchmen are in vain.
The Senate President described the trip as a “slight pilgrimage” and a spiritual journey undertaken specifically to pray for Nigeria.
He also prayed for peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections, according to reports of his visit to the shrine.
Akpabio disclosed that the visit to the St Padre Pio site was his 10th. He also linked his longstanding devotion to the Catholic saint to the recovery of his wife, Unoma Akpabio, after she spent several months in a coma in Germany.
He said he attributed her recovery to divine intervention following prayers seeking the intercession of Padre Pio.
Akpabio’s comments come as Nigeria continues to face security challenges involving terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence in parts of the country.
His visit therefore combined a personal expression of faith with prayers for the country’s security and political future.
The Senate President said he and members of his delegation returned from the pilgrimage fulfilled after praying for Nigeria, its leaders, their families and the country’s future.
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