Senate President Godswill Akpabio recently visited the Prayer Ground of St. Padre Pio in St Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, where he offered prayers for an end to banditry and terrorism in Nigeria. Akpabio disclosed this during an interview with St. Padre Pio TV/Radio, stating that the visit was not only for his family but also an opportunity to seek divine intervention for Nigeria's security challenges. The visit comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify across the country.
Akpabio emphasized that his visit was a personal and family affair, as well as a gesture to seek blessings from God for Nigeria, which is currently facing security challenges in several parts. He described the Prayer Ground of St. Padre Pio as a holy place and expressed his admiration for the site's maintenance. Akpabio stated that his belief in Padre Pio's intercession was strengthened by his personal experience, having previously sought the saint's help during a difficult time in his life.
The Senate President recounted a major personal experience involving his wife, Unoma Akpabio, who spent six months in a coma at a hospital in Germany after an operation went wrong. Akpabio said he prayed to Mother Mary and sought the intercession of St. Padre Pio while his wife remained unconscious. Miraculously, she regained consciousness, an experience Akpabio attributed to the power of prayer and the intercession of St. Padre Pio.
Akpabio revealed that his latest visit to the Prayer Ground was his 10th, and he returned to give thanks for his wife's recovery and to continue seeking the intercession of Padre Pio for his family and Nigeria. He also disclosed that his family had honored Padre Pio by giving their son the saint's name and establishing the PIO Football Academy, which provides football training and scholarships for children from poor backgrounds.
The PIO Football Academy, established by Akpabio's family, offers training and scholarships to children from the age of nine through university level. Akpabio said the academy was set up in memory of the Catholic saint and aims to provide opportunities for underprivileged children. This initiative reflects Akpabio's commitment to giving back to the community and his faith.
Akpabio's visit to Italy coincides with increasing preparations for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. In recent months, the Senate President has repeatedly spoken about insecurity and the need for prayers and concerted efforts to confront those behind violent crimes. He had previously called for prayers for the exposure of individuals sponsoring terrorism and other violent crimes in the country.
Key points from Akpabio's visit include his seeking divine intervention for Nigeria's security challenges, his personal experience with St. Padre Pio's intercession, and his commitment to giving back to the community through initiatives like the PIO Football Academy.
Key points
- Akpabio seeks divine intervention for Nigeria's security challenges.
- The Senate President recounts a personal experience with St. Padre Pio's intercession.
- Akpabio's family honors Padre Pio through a football academy.
