Our Progress Stalled By Choice Of Darkness Over Light – Bishop Kukah

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Father Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has blamed Nigeria’s stunted progress since independence to the country's tendency to choose darkness over light.

Dec 25, 2024 - 11:35

Our Progress Stalled By Choice Of Darkness Over Light – Bishop Kukah

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Father Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has blamed Nigeria’s stunted progress since independence to the country's tendency to choose darkness over light.
In his Christmas message at the Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church, Sokoto on Tuesday night, Kukah said that only the part of transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service, politics, and individual conduct could significantly improve the country’s current stagnant and corrupt state.

Kukah, then urged Nigerians to choose the path of light, unity, and love, pointing out that these values were essential for the nation’s progress and development.
His words, “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.
“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.

“They will know we are Christians by our love,” highlighting that the country’s journey to greatness remains constrained by ethnicity, nepotism, and greed...

“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."

He urged Nigerians to live by the message of the Christian hymn,
He further expressed concern over the dominance of ethnicity and religion in accessing opportunities, and which, often overshadows the sense of common citizenship.
According to Kukah, the feelings of exclusion push many citizens toward violence and frustration, thus further undermining national unity and cohesion.
Kukah also applauded the passage of the Not Too Young to Run Bill in 2018, which opened doors for increased youth participation in politics, pointing out however, that the ongoing challenges, such as the high costs of political participation and issues of internal democracy, still hindered young people’s active engagement in political processes.
He also commended the enactment of the Student Loan Act 2024 as well as the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund by the Federal Government.
According to the bishop, these initiatives, had the potential to expand opportunities including those pursuing vocational and technical skills for the Nigerian youth.