- Catholic leader calls for government action on hunger, insecurity, and youth barriers
- Highlights progress in education loans, urges focus on vocational training
The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has attributed recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja to widespread hunger and desperation caused by government failures. Delivering his Christmas message, Bishop Kukah lamented that Nigeria, over six decades after independence, remains hindered by darkness, marked by corruption, ethnic divisions, and inequitable opportunities.
“Imagine if we let the light shine on our public service, politics, and institutions,” he said. “Our journey to greatness is constrained by ethnicity, nepotism, and greed. Feelings of exclusion drive citizens to violence and frustration.”
Reflecting on the national anthem’s call for unity, Bishop Kukah stressed the importance of diversity as a tool for national cohesion. He urged Nigerians to embrace their differences and work toward building a more inclusive society.
The Bishop also addressed the barriers preventing youth from participating fully in politics, citing the high cost of running for office as a significant challenge. While commending the progress made since the passage of the Not Too Young to Run bill, he noted that internal democracy and financial constraints still deter many young Nigerians.
On education, Bishop Kukah praised the federal government’s educational loan scheme but advocated for its expansion to vocational and technical training. “This opportunity should not be limited to university students. Poverty must not exclude anyone from quality education,” he urged.
Touching on insecurity, he called for a comprehensive strategy that tackles unemployment and religious extremism, which he identified as root causes of violence. “Insecurity is the first child of corruption. Addressing these systemic issues is essential for long-term peace,” he emphasized.
Bishop Kukah described the recent stampedes at food distribution points in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja as avoidable tragedies, reflecting widespread desperation. He urged the government to partner with organizations like the Catholic Church, which provides aid through initiatives like St. Vincent de Paul.
“These tragedies are metaphors for the despair citizens face due to hunger and government inaction. It is the government’s duty to ensure a minimum level of dignity for our people,” he said.
Bishop Kukah concluded with prayers for the victims of the stampedes, urging the government to take concrete steps to address hunger, promote unity, and uphold the dignity of all Nigerians.
