The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has urged Nigerian leaders to urgently confront insecurity, poverty and bad governance, insisting that despite the nation’s deep challenges, Nigeria has enough resources to care for its people if selfishness and greed are curbed.
In his 2025 Christmas message entitled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation,” Bishop Kukah said Nigeria remains trapped “in a valley of violence and sorrow”, with insecurity threatening lives, faith and national cohesion.
However, he reminded Christians that the birth of Christ remains a beacon of hope even in the darkest times.
“By the birth of Christ, Emmanuel—God is with us,” Kukah said, stressing that the light of Christmas “is a light that darkness cannot overcome.”
The cleric lamented the persistent cycle of violence across the country, noting that communities are repeatedly plunged into mourning by killings, kidnappings and destruction. He warned against despair, urging Nigerians not to lose faith despite the grim realities.
Drawing parallels with biblical history, Kukah recalled that Jesus himself was born amid violence and poverty, including the massacre of innocent children ordered by King Herod. He said the Christmas story is a reminder that faith must endure even when circumstances are harsh.
“This is not the time to falter,” he said, quoting the prophet Isaiah that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
Children paying the highest price
Bishop Kukah expressed deep concern over the plight of children globally and in Nigeria, describing violence against children as a tragic continuation of the Christmas story of innocent suffering.
From Gaza to Sudan and across Nigeria, he said children are exposed to kidnapping, abuse, forced labour and early marriage.
He referenced the abduction of schoolchildren in places such as Chibok, Dapchi, Maga and Papiri, noting that nearly 2,000 children have been affected by such crimes in Nigeria.
“Our children are our future,” Kukah said, warning that neglect, poor governance and official complicity have worsened their vulnerability.
‘We must renovate, educate or perish’
The bishop argued that the violence ravaging Nigeria, particularly in the North, is rooted in years of poverty, illiteracy, miseducation and moral decay.
He described perpetrators of violence as products of failed systems and toxic politics.
“Whether we call them bandits, kidnappers or extremists, they are our children,” he said. “They came out of our own loins.”
Kukah warned that without serious investment in education and moral renewal, Nigeria risks further descent into chaos.
“We must either renovate, educate or perish,” he declared.
Emphasising the Christian response to persecution, Kukah rejected retaliation and violence, urging believers to rely on faith, prayer and moral witness rather than weapons.
“Violence cannot defeat violence,” he said, quoting Jesus’s admonition to Peter to put away the sword.
He added that history shows Christianity has survived persecution and outlived empires through faith and resilience.
Call for unity and reconciliation
Kukah urged Nigerians to resist division and hatred, calling for unity in mourning and healing. He said Nigerians must draw strength from shared suffering and collective hope.
“We have buried our dead together. We have mourned together,” he said.
“We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together.”
In a rare note of optimism, the bishop welcomed the reported safe return of abducted children, commending the federal government and all stakeholders involved.
He described the incident as “one ordeal too many” and prayed it would mark the end of such tragedies.
As Christians mark Christmas, Kukah reminded Nigerians that the season is more than a celebration.
“We do not celebrate Christmas as a feast or a date on our calendar,” he said. “We celebrate it as a vocation — to let the world see and experience the face of Jesus through lives of love, peace and reconciliation.”
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy Christmas, urging them not to surrender joy and hope despite the nation’s trials.