In his 2024 Christmas message, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese urged Nigerians to embrace reflection, renewal, and a renewed commitment to Christian values.
He highlighted the importance of choosing light leadership in government lover darkness leaders, lamenting the persistent issues of violence, corruption, and stagnation in the country.
Kukah emphasized that Nigeria’s failure to progress is closely tied to its preference for darkness rather than embracing the light. He encouraged Christians to use Christmas as a time for personal reflection and spiritual renewal, urging them to re-examine their faith and strive to be beacons of light in the world.
Expressing concern over the nation’s ongoing security challenges, the bishop called for a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of insecurity, such as unemployment and violent extremism. He commended the federal government’s efforts to empower the youth, particularly through the Student Loan Act and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, urging young people to seize these opportunities to improve their lives and contribute positively to society.
“The federal government are very commendable gestures towards the youth. It is significant that the Act does not limit access only to university students but to those also seeking vocational or technical skills,” Kukah said.
He expressed hope that the project will be free of bureaucratic bottlenecks and favoritism, expanding opportunities for the youth and their parents.
