Dr. Kayode Fayemi (CON), the immediate-past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), has expressed profound sadness over the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, describing it as “an irreplaceable loss to the global Catholic community and humanity at large.”
In a statement issued by the Fayemi Media Office, the former governor, a devout Catholic, paid tribute to the late Pontiff’s transformative leadership and commitment to social justice.
“It is with a heavy heart that I join millions of Catholics worldwide and people of goodwill across religious divides to mourn the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, whose life exemplified Christ’s teachings of love, compassion, and service to the least privileged amongst us,” Fayemi stated.
The former governor reflected on Pope Francis’ legacy, noting that the pontiff’s humility and courage in addressing contemporary challenges had repositioned the Catholic Church as a leading voice for the marginalized.
Fayemi stated, “Pope Francis led the Church with humility and wisdom. His passionate advocacy for the poor, migrants, and environmental justice connected deeply with the faithful across Nigeria and Africa.
“As a Catholic and public servant, I found in Pope Francis a model of leadership that transcended religious boundaries. His emphasis on mercy and dialogue inspired many of us in public service to approach governance with greater empathy and attention to the vulnerable segments of society.”
The former NGF Chairman called on global leaders to honour the Pope’s memory by recommitting to his vision of a more just, peaceful, and inclusive world.
“While we mourn his physical departure, we celebrate a life well-lived in service to God and humanity. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his powerful legacy continue to guide our collective journey toward a more compassionate global community,” he concluded.
Signed
Mallam Ahmad Sajoh
Head, the Fayemi Media Office, Abuja
April 21, 2025