Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has shared details of his recent spiritual journey to the United States and Rome, where he dedicated prayers for Nigeria’s healing, unity, and progress amid the country’s numerous challenges.
In a personal statement titled “My Visit to the USA, Rome: Taking Nigeria’s Situation to God,” Obi said his two-day visit to the United States saw him address the Friendship Club on Saturday, October 4, and speak at the 1st Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington on Sunday, October 5. He departed for Rome later that night, joining his wife who was already in the city.
Obi explained that the trip to Rome was a spiritual pilgrimage undertaken during the Catholic Jubilee Year a celebration held every twenty-five years. He said he and his wife dedicated their prayers to Nigeria, expressing gratitude for the nation’s endurance and unity despite its many trials since independence.
We thanked God that, despite our differences and the many challenges faced over sixty-five years of independence, He has kept us together as one nation a rare and profound blessing,” Obi stated.
He added that they sought divine forgiveness for the nation’s shortcomings and prayed for “selfless and compassionate leaders” who would govern with truth, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the common good.
During their pilgrimage, the couple passed through three of the four Holy Doors of Rome’s major Papal Basilicas St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. John Lateran offering prayers for God’s mercy upon Nigeria. Obi recounted being warmly received by Cardinal James Harvey at St. Paul’s Basilica, where he learned more about the Jubilee Year’s spiritual significance.
Their journey culminated at St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, October 8, where they attended the Papal General Audience and listened to a catechesis on “hope, perseverance, and steadfast faith in times of hardship.” Obi said he and his wife also completed their pilgrimage by passing through the final Holy Door at St. Peter’s, after which they were received in audience by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex).
We humbly appealed for prayers for our beloved country, Nigeria,” Obi wrote. “Along the way, we met several Nigerian pilgrims men and women of faith whose faces shone with quiet hope. Together, we renewed our trust in God’s divine mercy and in the promise of a renewed and better Nigeria.”
Reflecting on the experience, the former Anambra governor said his faith in God remains unshaken but emphasized that faith must be accompanied by action.
Faith does not absolve us of responsibility; rather, it calls us to action,” he said. “As Nigerians, we must each continue to do our part — with honesty, diligence, and love for the healing and progress of our country.”
Obi concluded with his familiar message of optimism and reform:
“A new Nigeria is POssible.”
