- Bishop Kukah emphasised that Nigeria's challenges stemmed from a lack of moral progress and urged citizens to choose light over darkness in national life
- Bishop Odetoyinbo called for divine intervention and prioritises youth empowerment, urging government action to address the nation’s socio-political and economic issues
- Reverend Okupevi commended Nigerians for their resilience and expressed hope for a brighter future in 2025, urging people to embody the hope and resilience demonstrated by Christ
As Nigerians celebrate Christmas, prominent clerics across the country have used the occasion to address the nation’s pressing issues while offering messages of hope and encouragement.
In his Christmas message delivered on the evening of December 24 at the Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church in Sokoto, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, highlighted the ongoing struggles Nigerians face, attributing much of the hardship to a failure to seek liberation from "darkness."
Nigeria's stagnancy tied to choosing darkness - Kukah
The Bishop urged citizens to reflect on the spiritual and moral dimensions of their suffering, which, he believes, stemmed from broader societal issues.
He said, “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.
“They will know we are Christians by our love,” highlighting that the country’s journey to greatness remains constrained by 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 stated.
Odetoyinbo calls for trust in God
Meanwhile, Most Reverend Dr Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, also shared his 2024 Christmas message with the nation.
In his address, Bishop Odetoyinbo called on Nigerians to place their trust in God, asserting that only divine intervention could help the country overcome its current socio-political, economic, and religious crises.
He emphasised the importance of faith and unity in navigating these turbulent times.
“We must identify the vulnerable groups among us who require urgent assistance. Youth employment and empowerment should be top on government agenda so as to give hope to our young people that there is a bright future for them in their fatherland.
“Our message at this Christmas is that God is with us in Nigeria and we should never lose hope in our common pursuit to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign. Nigeria will rise again and it will happen in our time,” Odetoyinbo stated.
Okupevi remains optimistic for 2025
Rt. Rev. Okupevi, a Badagry-born bishop and the first indigenous Lagosian to lead the Diocesan territory, offered high praise for the collective strength and resilience of Nigerians in his Christmas message. He acknowledged their steadfastness in the face of severe economic hardship and remained optimistic, foreseeing a promising future for the country in 2025.
“In the context of our beloved Nigeria, we find ourselves amidst a myriad of challenges —political instability, economic difficulties, and social strife often overshadow the spirit of unity and joy we wish to experience. Yet, it is precisely in these trying times that the message of Christmas resonates even more powerfully.
“As Christians, we are called to embody the hope and resilience that Christ demonstrated in His life. He came into a world filled with darkness to be our light, a reminder that no situation is beyond the reach of God’s transformative presence.”
Speaking further, he said, “This season is a perfect opportunity to reach out to the less fortunate, share in the joys of community, and strengthen the bonds of love that unite us as one body in Christ. Let us not only celebrate with our words but back them with tangible acts of kindness.”
Tinubu calls for Renewed Hope as Akpabio, Barau advocate peace in Christmas messages
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Christmas season saw Nigeria’s political leaders sharing messages of unity, peace, and renewed hope for the country’s future.
Some of the leaders include President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and Deputy Senate President Barau.