In a heartfelt message that blended faith, patriotism, and hope, the former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his unwavering belief that “a new Nigeria is possible.”

Obi, who recently embarked on a spiritual journey from the United States to Rome, said the visit was a period of reflection, thanksgiving, and fervent prayer for Nigeria’s unity, healing, and renewal.

After addressing the Friendship Club on Saturday, October 4, and speaking at the First Ubuntu Africa Youth Assembly in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, October 5, Obi departed for Rome the same night, joining his wife to observe the "Jubilee Year Pilgrimage"—a Catholic tradition celebrated every twenty-five years.

He explained that their prayers in Rome were centered on Nigeria’s peace and progress. “With hearts full of gratitude, 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 for which we remain deeply thankful,” Obi said.

The former governor revealed that he and his wife prayed for divine forgiveness for the nation’s collective failings and for God’s intervention in the sufferings of Nigerians.

“We implored God to inject into our political landscape selfless and compassionate leaders — men and women whose hearts He would touch; leaders who would be truthful in word and deed, altruistic in service, and committed to using public resources for the common good,” he said.

During the pilgrimage, Obi and his wife passed through three of the four Holy Doors of the major Papal Basilicas in Rome — St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. John Lateran, where they prayed for God’s mercy upon Nigeria. They also visited the Scala Sancta (Holy Steps), believed to be the steps Jesus ascended before Pontius Pilate, where they offered solemn prayers for the country.

At St. Paul’s Basilica, Obi was received by Cardinal James Harvey, who led them through the Holy Door and shared the spiritual significance of the Jubilee Year. The journey culminated on Wednesday, October 8, with the Papal General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, where they completed the passage through the final Holy Door.

“We were privileged to hear the Catechesis of His Holiness on hope, perseverance, and steadfast faith in times of hardship,” Obi recounted. The high point of the visit was Obi’s private audience with His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex), where he appealed for prayers for Nigeria.

“At St. Peter’s, we were privileged to be received by His Holiness, to whom we humbly appealed for prayers for our beloved country,” he said. Obi also met several Nigerian pilgrims in Rome, describing them as “men and women of faith whose faces shone with quiet hope,” united by their belief in God’s mercy and the promise of a renewed nation.

He emphasized that while prayer remains essential, it must be complemented by citizens’ actions and commitment to nation-building.

“I believe fervently in the power and providence of God. Yet, as we lift our nation before Him in prayer, we must not surrender to fatalism,” he stressed. “Faith does not absolve us of responsibility; rather, it calls us to action. As Nigerians, we must each continue to do our part with honesty, diligence, and love — for the healing and progress of our country.”

Concluding his reflections, Obi reaffirmed his optimism and vision for Nigeria’s future, declaring that despite current challenges, “a new Nigeria is possible.”