Christmas Amid Crisis: Bishop Kukah urges faith, renewal

Sokoto — As Christians across Nigeria and the world celebrate Christmas, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has called on Nigerians not to surrender to despair despite deepening insecurity, economic hardship and social anxieties. Describing the season as one of enduring joy, hope and divine presence even in times of tribulation, he said Christmas arrives at a moment when Nigeria appears trapped in a valley of violence and sorrow, with citizens daily confronted by fear and uncertainty.

Quoting Prophet Isaiah — “a people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” — Bishop Kukah stressed that the light of Christ cannot be overcome by darkness and that Nigerians must deliberately choose hope over despair. He challenged political leaders at all levels to strengthen their resolve to alleviate suffering, noting that greed among elites appears insatiable yet Nigeria possesses enough resources to care for its citizens if justice, equity and compassion are prioritised.

He warned against growing weary or despondent amid prolonged violence, communal conflicts and loss of lives that have torn families and communities apart. Drawing parallels with the first Christmas — Jesus born into poverty, Herod’s killing of innocents — Kukah said the poor and vulnerable shepherds were the first to receive the good news, emphasising that Christmas calls Nigerians to renew their strength and refuse to give up, trusting in God for restoration.

Violence continues to stalk the cribs of innocent children, with abductions, displacement, abuse and exploitation robbing thousands of safety, dignity and a hopeful future. He recalled the Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls and countless other victims, noting that such tragedies persist across the country and expose children to early marriage, slavery and psychological trauma with devastating consequences for national development.

Kukah asserted that Nigerians must renew belief that evil can be defeated, stressing that the battle against insecurity and moral decay is a fight for the nation’s soul and cannot be outsourced or solved by force alone. He identified toxic politics, greed and selfishness as roots of much violence, arguing that perpetrators are products of societal failure, poor governance, miseducation and moral collapse. He warned that northern Nigeria has become a major theatre of violence largely due to entrenched poverty, illiteracy and disease, and that the nation must either renovate its values, educate its people or risk collective ruin.

He reminded Christians that persecution is not new to the faith — Christianity was born under severe oppression yet endured through sacrifice, resilience and trust in God. Kukah urged rejection of violence as a response to violence, recalling Christ’s command to put away the sword, affirming that true victory comes through faith, patience and moral courage.

Calling for prayers for all victims of violence — abductions, banditry, robbery, communal clashes — he urged Nigerians to honour them by working towards a society where peace and justice reign. He encouraged seeing Christmas not merely as a date but as a vocation to reflect Christ’s face through love, reconciliation and service to the vulnerable.

Expressing gratitude for the safe return of abducted persons and commending those who worked and prayed for their release, Kukah said such ordeals must end and wished Nigerians a Christmas filled with renewed hope, faith and determination for national renewal