The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has blamed Nigeria’s lack of significant progress since independence on the country’s continued choice of “darkness over light.”

In his Christmas message delivered at the Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church in Sokoto on Tuesday night, Bishop Kukah stressed that embracing transparency, accountability, and integrity in all areas of public service, politics, and personal conduct could bring about meaningful change for Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s failure to achieve visible progress is due to our preference for darkness over light,” Kukah said.

“Imagine what our country would look like if we allowed light to guide our public service, politics, communities, and national institutions. If we chose light instead of darkness, the difference would be extraordinary.”

The bishop urged Nigerians to follow the principles expressed in the Christian hymn, “They will know we are Christians by our love,” emphasizing that the country’s journey towards greatness continues to be hindered by deep-rooted ethnicity, nepotism, and greed.

Kukah also expressed his concerns about the influence of ethnicity and religion in accessing opportunities, which often overshadows the concept of national unity and common citizenship.

He warned that this exclusionary mindset drives many Nigerians towards frustration and violence, further damaging social cohesion.

“We still struggle to live by the ideals expressed in our national anthem: ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’ Diversity should be seen as a gift from God, one that can be used to unite and strengthen our nation,” he said.

While acknowledging the positive impact of the Not Too Young to Run Bill passed in 2018, which has encouraged more youth participation in politics, Kukah noted the challenges that remain, such as the high cost of political involvement and issues of internal democracy, which still prevent many young Nigerians from fully engaging in the political process.

Kukah also praised the recent enactment of the Student Loan Act of 2024 and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund by the federal government.

These initiatives, he said, could expand opportunities for young Nigerians, especially those pursuing vocational and technical education.

“It’s significant that the Act covers not only university students but also those pursuing other forms of education. We hope that this initiative will avoid bureaucratic delays and favoritism, ensuring that poverty does not prevent anyone from accessing a quality education,” Kukah added.

However, the bishop expressed concern about the persistent security challenges in Nigeria, which he described as a constant threat to the nation’s stability.

He called on Nigerians to choose the path of unity, love, and light, as these values are essential for the country’s progress and development.

Professor Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam, the former Commissioner for lands and urban Development in Enugu State, has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the challenges faced in the past year, as the country celebrates Christmas.

In a heartfelt message, Nnam called for perseverance and commitment to building a better nation.

Describing the season as one of hope, renewal, and reflection, Victor Nnam emphasized the importance of using this period to assess the country’s struggles and resolve to move forward with renewed determination.

The former commissioner, in his statement, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the nation in the past year, including economic hardships, security issues, and social challenges.

Despite these, he expressed confidence in the resilience, resourcefulness, and enduring spirit of the Nigerian people.

“Christmas is a time for love, compassion, and sacrifice. Let us draw inspiration from the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and become our brother’s keeper, supporting the vulnerable in our communities.”

He added that this festive period should remind Nigerians of their shared humanity and common destiny.

Nnam also urged both federal and state governments to prioritize the welfare of citizens, advocating for flexible governance and innovative solutions to existing challenges.

He noted that the upcoming year presents a fresh opportunity to reset, rebuild, and tackle the nation’s issues with bold leadership and collective effort.

Prof. Nnam called on all Nigerians to extend their hands to those less fortunate and embody the true spirit of Christmas throughout the year.

Elder statesman Bode George has expressed disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s recent media chat, accusing the President of lacking empathy for the suffering Nigerians.

George emphasized that Tinubu’s remarks on Monday were out of touch with the reality of widespread hunger and hardship in the country.

He pointed to recent incidents, including three deadly stampedes during food distribution that resulted in 67 deaths, as a stark reminder of the severe hunger and frustration gripping the nation.

“There is hunger and anger in the land,” George said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.

“Yet, the President continues to claim his reforms are working, while many Nigerians are growing poorer and businesses are collapsing.”

He added, “Hunger doesn’t care about your words. You have to be real.”

As a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), George criticized the President’s media appearance, stating it lacked any sign of seriousness or empathy.

“Why have a discussion at all if there’s no acknowledgment of the people’s suffering?” George asked, noting the absence of a somber tone in the exchange.

George also called for immediate action from the government, urging Tinubu to reduce the price of petrol and provide urgent relief to the Nigerians struggling under the weight of inflation, which he blamed on the administration’s policies.

Nigeria continues to face significant energy challenges, with all state-owned refineries out of operation, and the country depends heavily on imports of refined petroleum.

Following the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, petrol prices surged from around N200 per litre to over N1,000, worsening the living conditions of Nigerians who rely on petrol to power vehicles and generators amid unreliable electricity supply.

Additionally, the unification of foreign exchange windows has caused the naira’s value to plummet, from approximately N700 to the dollar to over N1,600 on the parallel market, driving up the cost of food and basic goods.

Despite calls for a review of his policies, President Tinubu, during his media chat, reiterated that he stands by the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that Nigeria could no longer afford to subsidize fuel for neighboring countries.

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has officially signed the N971 billion 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, committing to its effective execution in line with the state’s ambitious goals for economic growth and inclusive prosperity.

The budget, referred to as the “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity,” allocates a significant N837.9 billion (86%) for capital expenditure and N133.1 billion (14%) for recurrent expenses.

Education continues to be a major priority, with the sector receiving the largest share—N320.6 billion, which is more than 33% of the entire budget—for the second consecutive year.

Governor Mbah, speaking at the signing ceremony, emphasized that the budget would serve as a catalyst for addressing the state’s development challenges.

He stressed the need for deliberate and exponential growth rather than incremental progress, assuring that his administration is dedicated to ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward development.

“What we are witnessing today is democracy in action,” he remarked, calling the budget a “massive Christmas gift” to the people of Enugu.

In attendance were members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, led by Speaker, Uche Ugwu and Deputy Speaker, Ezenta Ezeani.

Speaker Ugwu commended the governor and the Assembly for their collaborative efforts in the budget’s preparation, which allowed for its swift passage.

He expressed confidence in the budget’s potential to bring positive change across various sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, and tourism.

Speaker Ugwu praised Governor Mbah’s administration for its successful implementation of the 2024 budget and pledged continued legislative oversight to ensure the 2025 budget is effectively executed.

He emphasized that the prioritization of education in the new budget aligns with the administration’s long-term strategy to combat poverty and empower the state’s citizens.

The 2025 budget will take effect from January 1, 2025, further driving Enugu State’s development ambitions.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed optimism for the future, assuring Nigerians that better days are on the horizon in 2025.

In her Christmas message, Senator Tinubu conveyed her deep appreciation for the continued support and patience of the Nigerian people as the administration works towards improving the nation.

She stated, “As we approach the new year, I want to assure you that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are dedicated to implementing positive reforms that will benefit all Nigerians, many of which are already beginning to show positive results.”

She continued, “As 2024 draws to a close, let us remain hopeful and united, believing that brighter days are ahead. Let us continue to support one another, promote unity, and celebrate the rich diversity that defines our great nation.”

The First Lady concluded with warm wishes for the season, saying, “I wish all Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous 2025 filled with peace, love, and progress.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent media chat, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of being disconnected from the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, expressed disappointment with the President’s failure to address the worsening economic conditions faced by citizens, blaming the government’s poorly implemented policies for the hardship.

Ologunagba said, “The media session only serves to confirm the APC administration’s insensitivity to the severe hardship and suffering being experienced by Nigerians due to the party’s misguided and anti-people policies.”

A key point of contention was President Tinubu’s defense of the controversial removal of the fuel subsidy, despite the lack of measures to cushion the effects of the decision.

The PDP argued that the policy has resulted in a devastating impact on the productive sector, rising living costs, and deepening poverty for millions of Nigerians.

The PDP also took issue with the President’s admission that the government has been unable to properly police the nation’s borders, allowing the smuggling of petroleum products.

The party stated that this oversight highlights the APC administration’s failure to effectively govern.

The party further criticized the government for its inability to account for any savings resulting from the subsidy removal while Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of economic hardship.

Issues such as the struggling productive sector, the depreciating Naira, inflation reaching 34.6%, and high unemployment rates were all cited as evidence of the government’s failure to improve the lives of citizens.

In addition, Ologunagba pointed to the tragic food stampedes that led to the deaths of over 80 Nigerians as a direct result of the current administration’s policies.

He also took issue with the President’s claims of progress in road safety, contrasting this with the ongoing crisis of banditry, kidnapping, and poor infrastructure across the country.

The PDP lamented the APC’s neglect of key sectors such as agriculture, electricity, and small and medium-scale enterprises, which are vital to the country’s economic recovery.

The party urged President Tinubu to visit ordinary Nigerians by traveling from Abuja to Lagos by road or visiting markets to see firsthand the dire conditions faced by the people, instead of relying on reports from government officials.

Ologunagba concluded by calling for urgent action from the government to address the ongoing suffering and to restore public trust in the administration.