The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah,
has stated that Nigerians are suffering because they refused to be liberated
from “darkness.”
The priest said this in his Christmas message at the
Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church, Sokoto Diocese on Tuesday night.
He emphasised that embracing transparency,
accountability, and integrity in public service, politics, and individual
conduct could significantly improve the country’s current state.
He said, “Nigeria’s lack of visible and measurable
progress is tied to the fact that we have chosen darkness rather than light.
“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.
“They will know we are Christians by our love,”
highlighting that the country’s journey to greatness remains constrained by
ethnicity, nepotism, and greed.
“We are still unable to embrace the ideals of our
national anthem that says: ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood
we stand.’ Diversity is a gift from God. Let us use it effectively as a tool
for national mobilization and cohesion,” he advised.
Kukah also lauded the passage of the “Not Too Young to
Run Bill” in 2018, which opened doors for increased youth participation in
politics.
However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges, such
as the high costs of political participation and issues of internal democracy,
which still hinder young people’s active engagement.
He also commended the enactment of the Student Loan
Act 2024 and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund by the
federal government.
These initiatives, he noted, have the potential to
expand opportunities for Nigerian youth, including those pursuing vocational
and technical skills.
“It is significant that the Act does not limit access
to university students alone. We hope this project will be free of bureaucratic
bottlenecks and favoritism, ensuring that poverty does not exclude anyone from
receiving a good education,” Kukah said.
He encouraged the youth to take full advantage of
these opportunities while also expressing concern about the ongoing security
challenges in the country, which he described as a persistent obstacle to
national stability.
Kukah, however, called on all Nigerians to choose the
path of light, unity, and love, stressing that these values are essential for
the nation’s progress and development.
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