By Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has called on the federal government to develop a comprehensive work plan to secure the nation, with clear datelines.
In his 2024 Christmas message, Bishop Kukah noted that while some progress has been made in addressing the security challenges facing the country, more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
He noted that insecurity is closely linked to corruption, unemployment, and violent religious extremism, and that addressing these underlying issues is crucial to winning the war against insecurity.
He urged the government to work more closely with institutions that promote the common good, such as the Catholic Church, which has a long history of providing support to the needy and vulnerable.
The Bishop expressed concern over the recent tragedies that occurred in Okija, Ibadan, and Abuja, where innocent people lost their lives in stampedes at food distribution points, and called on the government to take concrete steps to address the crisis of hunger and desperation facing many Nigerians.
He used the occasion to remind Christians of their role as the light of the world, and urged them to renew their commitment to living the ideals of Jesus Christ
“Imagine what Nigeria would be like if we chose light instead of darkness. Let us therefore heed the words of the old Christian song; They will know we are Christians by our lives”.
Lastly he wished Nigerians a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year, and prayed that the new year will bring blessings and peace to the nation.