Nigeria’s lack of progress because they chose darkness over light – Kukah

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has claimed that there is a lack of progress in Nigeria, because of the nation’s tendency to choose darkness over light.

Kukah stated this on Tuesday night, while delivering his Christmas message at the Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church, Sokoto Diocese.

The cleric noted that embracing transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service, politics, and individual conduct could significantly improve the country’s current state.

“Nigeria’s lack of visible and measurable progress is tied to the fact that we have chosen darkness rather than light.

“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,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to live by the message of the Christian hymn, “They will know we are Christians by our love,” highlighting that the country’s journey to greatness remains constrained by ethnicity, nepotism, and greed.

The bishop also expressed concern over the dominance of ethnicity and religion in accessing opportunities, which, he said, often overshadows the sense of common citizenship.

He noted that feelings of exclusion push many citizens toward violence and frustration, further undermining national unity.

“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 mobilization and cohesion,” he advised.