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The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has said Nigeria’s protracted insecurity cannot be resolved without addressing unemployment and violent religious extremism, which he described as breeding grounds for violence.

Delivering his Christmas message at the Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church, Sokoto Diocese, Kukah lamented the nation’s lack of measurable progress, which he attributed to a preference for “darkness rather than light.”

“Nigeria’s lack of visible and measurable progress is tied to the fact that we have chosen darkness rather than light,” he said. “Imagine if we let the light shine on our public service, on our politics, on our individual, community, and national life, and on our public institutions. Imagine what Nigeria would be like if we chose light instead of darkness.”

The cleric stressed that meaningful change requires embracing transparency, accountability, and integrity in both public and private life. He urged Nigerians to embody the Christian hymn “They will know we are Christians by our love” and to reject the divisive forces of ethnicity, nepotism, and greed.

“We are still unable to embrace the ideals of our national anthem that says: ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’ Diversity is a gift from God. Let us use it effectively as a tool for national mobilisation and cohesion,” he said.

Kukah identified unemployment and religious extremism as major drivers of insecurity, adding that tackling these issues is essential for stability.

“Insecurity cannot be overcome without addressing unemployment and violent religious extremism, which breed conditions for violence,” he said. He further called for the strict enforcement of laws to prosecute extremists, describing them as “criminals and murderers.”

The Bishop commended the passage of the Not Too Young to Run Bill and the enactment of the Student Loan Act 2024, noting their potential to expand opportunities for young Nigerians.

“It is significant that the act does not limit access to university students alone. We hope this project will be free of bureaucratic bottlenecks and favouritism, ensuring that poverty does not exclude anyone from receiving a good education,” Kukah stated.

He urged the youth to seize these opportunities but noted ongoing barriers such as high political participation costs and weak internal democracy.

Speaking on the recent tragedies in Okija, Ibadan, and Abuja, where stampedes during food distributions led to loss of lives, Kukah described these incidents as “metaphors for the desperation Nigerians face daily.”

“These tragedies were avoidable. The government must collaborate more effectively with institutions that promote the common good to prevent such loss of life,” he said.

Kukah praised the Catholic Church’s efforts to support vulnerable communities through organisations like St. Vincent de Paul and called on the government to do more in safeguarding citizens’ dignity.

Bishop Kukah also encouraged Christians to stay committed to their faith and moral responsibilities, regardless of the nation’s systemic failures.

“We are the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. We must not allow the weaknesses and failures of the Nigerian state to become an excuse for doing wrong,” he said.

He urged Christians to prioritise divine law over human systems, noting, “The Constitution has its flaws, but the Word of God is a divine command, inerrant, and written in the hearts of good Christians.”

As the nation continues to grapple with insecurity, poverty, and corruption, Kukah called on all Nigerians to choose the path of unity, love, and accountability for a brighter future.

“As we celebrate Christmas, let us open our hearts and commit to living the ideals Jesus taught us. May this season bring joy, and the new year bring blessings,” Kukah said.