NEWS
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio Travels to Italy, Offers Prayers for Tinubu, Nigeria and End to Insecurity
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has disclosed that his recent trip to Italy included a spiritual pilgrimage during which he offered prayers for President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria and an end to insecurity, banditry and terrorism across the country.
Akpabio made the disclosure in a video that has gone viral following his visit to the Prayer Ground of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, where he said he embarked on what he described as a “slight pilgrimage” and spiritual journey.
The Senate President explained that the purpose of the visit went beyond personal prayers, saying he also sought divine intervention for the country’s political leadership, security situation and the wellbeing of Nigerians.
“Well, I had to go to Italy and, you know, Rome is the capital of the Catholic Church and the world’s capital when it comes to Christianity,” Akpabio said.
He said his prayers included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians generally.
“From there I touched Saint Padre Pio Mazzolio and I did supplications.
“I prayed not just for the president, not just for myself, the vice president and all members of the Senate and National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council.
“I prayed for Nigeria as a whole and I also prayed against insecurity that God should free us from insecurity. I prayed against banditry. I prayed against terrorism.”
Akpabio said the pilgrimage was rooted in his Christian faith and his belief that efforts by government and security agencies to protect the country should be accompanied by prayers for divine intervention.
“And it might look funny but it’s the truth because in our own religion, we believe that unless God protects the house, the watchmen watch in vain,” he said.
“And so I decided to take this slight pilgrimage, a spiritual journey to pray for Nigeria. I believe strongly.”
The disclosure comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s continuing security challenges, including attacks, kidnappings, banditry and militant activity in different parts of the country.
Human Rights Watch has reported that insecurity remained a significant concern across Nigeria in 2025, while the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project continues to document violent incidents and militant activity in the country.
The security situation has also continued to attract attention in 2026. In August, a mass kidnapping in Niger State involving hundreds of people prompted President Tinubu to direct security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims.
More recently, Nigerian authorities commenced the trial of five suspected members of the militant group Ansaru over alleged involvement in the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State, underscoring the continuing security concerns surrounding armed groups and kidnapping networks.
Akpabio’s visit to the religious site also comes as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. Reports surrounding the trip indicated that his prayers extended beyond security concerns to include prayers for peaceful elections and the country’s overall stability.
The Senate President’s comments have therefore placed his Italian visit within both a personal religious context and the broader national conversation surrounding Nigeria’s security challenges, political leadership and the prospects for peace ahead of the 2027 electoral season.