Akpabio to Lead Nigerian Delegation to Pope Francis’ Funeral

Senate President Godswill Akpabio will lead a high-level Nigerian delegation to the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday.

The delegation was appointed by President Bola Tinubu and includes Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji; Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.

This was revealed in a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday.

The delegation will deliver a formal condolence letter from President Tinubu to the Acting Head of the Vatican. In his tribute, Tinubu described Pope Francis as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions” noting that the Pope’s passing, so soon after Easter, symbolizes a sacred return to his Maker.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, just one day after leading Easter Sunday Mass.