Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has attributed the hardships faced by Nigerians to their reluctance to embrace liberation from “darkness.” The prominent cleric shared this perspective during his Christmas message at the Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church in Sokoto on Tuesday night.
Bishop Kukah emphasized that adopting principles such as transparency, accountability, and integrity across public service, politics, and individual behavior could lead to significant improvements in the country’s current condition. He stated, “Nigeria’s lack of visible and measurable progress is tied to the fact that we have chosen darkness rather than light.”
He urged Nigerians to imagine the transformative impact of allowing “light” to illuminate various sectors of society, including governance, public institutions, and interpersonal relationships. He said, “Imagine if we let the light shine on our public service, on our politics, on our individual, community, and national life, and on our public institutions. Imagine what Nigeria would be like if we chose light instead of darkness.”
The bishop stressed the importance of love and unity as core Christian values, reminding the congregation of the hymn line, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” He noted that the nation’s inability to reach its full potential is largely due to divisive factors such as ethnicity, nepotism, and greed. He urged citizens to live by the ideals expressed in Nigeria’s national anthem: “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.” Bishop Kukah called for unity in diversity, describing it as a divine gift that should be harnessed as a tool for national mobilization and cohesion.
Reflecting on progress made in youth inclusion, he commended the Not Too Young to Run Bill enacted in 2018, which has increased opportunities for young people to engage in politics. However, he pointed out ongoing challenges that hinder youth participation, including the high cost of political involvement and the lack of internal democracy within political parties.
Bishop Kukah also acknowledged the recent enactment of the Student Loan Act 2024 and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund by the federal government. He described these initiatives as significant steps toward expanding opportunities for Nigerian youth, especially in the areas of vocational and technical education. He praised the Act for its inclusivity, noting that it does not restrict access to university students alone. Kukah expressed hope that the implementation of these initiatives would be devoid of favoritism and unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles to ensure that poverty does not exclude anyone from obtaining a quality education.
The bishop urged young Nigerians to seize these opportunities while expressing concern about the persistent security challenges that continue to undermine national stability. He described security as a crucial factor in the country’s progress and called for urgent solutions to these issues.
Bishop Kukah appealed to Nigerians to choose a path of light, unity, and love, asserting that these values are essential for the nation’s development and progress. He encouraged everyone to rise above division and work collectively to build a brighter and more prosperous future for the country.
