As Christians in Nigeria and around the world celebrate Christmas, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has urged Nigerians not to give in to despair despite growing insecurity, economic hardship, and widespread social anxiety.
He described Christmas as a season of enduring joy, hope, and God’s abiding presence, even in times of suffering. According to him, Nigeria is currently facing deep pain marked by violence, fear, and uncertainty, yet the message of Christ’s birth reminds believers that God remains present even in darkness.
Bishop Kukah recalled the biblical message that those who walk in darkness have seen a great light, stressing that the light of Christ cannot be overcome. He called on Nigerians to consciously choose hope over hopelessness.
He challenged political leaders to take firm steps to reduce the suffering of the people, noting that although greed among the elite is widespread, the country still has enough resources to care for its citizens if justice, equity, and compassion are prioritized.
The bishop warned Christians against growing weary in the face of prolonged violence, communal conflicts, and loss of lives, emphasizing that Christ remains the foundation of the Christian faith. He reminded Nigerians that the first Christmas itself took place amid poverty and violence, as innocent children were killed under King Herod, showing that suffering has always accompanied redemption.
He noted that it was symbolic that shepherds—the poor and vulnerable—were the first to receive the news of Christ’s birth, stressing that Christmas calls on Nigerians to renew their strength and refuse to give up.
Bishop Kukah lamented that violence continues to threaten innocent children today through abductions, displacement, abuse, and exploitation, both in Nigeria and globally. He recalled painful national tragedies involving schoolchildren and warned that such experiences expose children to trauma, early marriage, and loss of dignity, with long-term consequences for the nation.
He insisted that evil can be defeated and said the struggle against insecurity and moral decay is a battle for the soul of the nation that cannot be solved by force alone. He urged Nigerians to reflect honestly on what has gone wrong and to draw strength from the shared values that once united the country.
According to him, faith must not be abandoned in moments of darkness, nor should Nigerians resort to hatred or revenge. He identified toxic politics, greed, selfishness, poor governance, and moral collapse as key drivers of violence, adding that northern Nigeria has become a major flashpoint largely due to poverty, illiteracy, and neglect.
Bishop Kukah reminded Christians that persecution is not new to the faith and that Christianity survived centuries of oppression through sacrifice, resilience, and trust in God. He called on believers to reject violence as a response to violence, stressing that true victory comes through faith, patience, and moral courage.
He urged prayers for all victims of violence and encouraged Nigerians to honour them by working toward a society founded on peace and justice. He said Christmas should be seen not just as a celebration, but as a call to live out love, reconciliation, and service, especially to the vulnerable.
Despite the challenges facing the nation, Bishop Kukah encouraged Nigerians to remain ambassadors of peace, joy, and reconciliation, and expressed gratitude for the safe return of abducted persons while calling for an end to such ordeals.
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a Christmas marked by renewed hope, strong faith, and determination for national renewal.
