The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, urges Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, saying the country can overcome its many challenges through collective responsibility and peaceful action.
In his Christmas message, Bishop Kukah says Nigeria must confront its problems from within, stressing that the nation cannot outsource solutions to insecurity, poverty, and social division. According to Mediaplusng.com, the cleric calls on citizens to work together across ethnic, religious, and political lines to rebuild trust and national cohesion.
The Bishop reminds Christians that Christ remains the foundation of the Christian faith and never supports violence as a response to violence. He encourages believers not to lose faith or grow weary despite the difficult circumstances facing the country, urging perseverance, love, and moral courage.
Bishop Kukah also addresses the roots of violence in the country, noting, as reported by Mediaplusng.com, that those causing havoc are Nigerians shaped by years of neglect, poor governance, and weak development. He explains that violence is more visible in northern Nigeria due to prolonged miseducation, poverty, illiteracy, and disease, which have left many young people vulnerable to manipulation and extremism.
He emphasizes that calling perpetrators by different names does not change the reality that they are products of societal failure. According to him, meaningful development, quality education, and social justice remain critical to breaking the cycle of violence.
The Sokoto Catholic Bishop concludes by urging Nigerians to embrace the message of Christmas by choosing hope over despair, peace over hatred, and unity over division, saying national renewal is still possible if citizens commit to shared values and responsibility.
