SOKOTO — The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, has called on Nigerians to hold firmly to faith and hope as they celebrate Christmas, despite the nation’s worsening insecurity, economic strain and social tension.
In his Christmas message, Bishop Kukah said the season comes at a time when many Nigerians feel overwhelmed by fear, violence and uncertainty, but stressed that Christmas remains a powerful symbol of hope, renewal and God’s abiding presence, even in moments of great distress.
He noted that Nigeria appears caught in a cycle of sorrow and bloodshed, yet the message of Christ’s birth, “Emmanuel, God with us,” offers reassurance that darkness does not have the final word. Quoting the Prophet Isaiah, the bishop said the light brought by Christ is one that cannot be overcome by darkness.
Bishop Kukah urged Nigerians to consciously reject despair and challenged political leaders to demonstrate greater commitment to easing the suffering of the people.
He said the country has enough resources to care for its citizens if justice, equity and compassion are allowed to prevail over greed and selfish interests.
The cleric reminded Christians that Jesus was born into poverty and violence, recalling the massacre of innocent children ordered by King Herod.
He said this shows that suffering has always accompanied the story of redemption, yet hope ultimately triumphs.
He lamented that violence continues to threaten the lives of innocent children in Nigeria through abductions, displacement, abuse and exploitation, recalling the Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls and many other victims across the country.
According to him, such tragedies have exposed children to trauma and robbed them of a secure future.
Bishop Kukah said the fight against insecurity and moral decay is not only a security challenge but a struggle for the soul of the nation, which cannot be won by force alone.
He identified toxic politics, poverty, illiteracy and poor governance as major drivers of violence, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The bishop called on Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s shared pain and suffering and to rediscover the values of unity, compassion and mutual responsibility.
He warned against responding to violence with hatred or revenge, stressing that faith, prayer and commitment to justice remain the strongest tools available.
He also reminded Christians that persecution is not new to the faith, noting that Christianity survived centuries of oppression through sacrifice, patience and unwavering trust in God, not through violence.
Bishop Kukah urged prayers for all victims of insecurity and called on Nigerians to honour the dead by working towards a society anchored on peace, justice and human dignity.
He encouraged citizens to see Christmas as more than a celebration, but as a call to live out love, reconciliation and service to the vulnerable, even in difficult times..
The bishop expressed gratitude for the safe return of some abducted persons and commended all those who worked and prayed for their release, while stressing that such incidents must come to an end.
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a Christmas marked by renewed hope, deepened faith and a collective resolve to work for national renewal.