Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, warning that the crisis has severely weakened the nation and highlighted the urgent need for capable leadership to guide the country through its current challenges.
Kukah made the remarks on Monday in Lagos while delivering the inaugural lecture marking the fifth memorial anniversary of Pastor Emily Aig-Imoukhuede.
The lecture, organised by the Aig-Imoukhuede family, has the themed, “Leadership and Service to God, Nation and Humanity.”
Kukah stressed that leadership remains central to addressing Nigeria’s security and development challenges, pointing out that leaders must understand the environment in which they operate if they are to succeed.
According to him, “leadership is about influence, discernment, vision and purpose, adding that countries that have overcome significant developmental challenges did so through effective leadership and a clear sense of direction.”
Drawing lessons from Singapore’s transformation, Kukah urged Nigerian leaders to emulate countries that have successfully confronted their challenges through purposeful leadership and strong institutions.
Reflecting on the life and legacy of the late Emily Aig-Imoukhuede, Kukah called on Nigerians to place greater value on service and compassion rather than status or public acclaim.
He described her as a selfless woman who dedicated her life to improving the lives of others, particularly children and the underprivileged.
According to him, her commitment to humanitarian causes mirrored that of Mother Teresa, whose legacy was defined by care for the vulnerable and less fortunate.
In his welcome address, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede said the memorial lecture was conceived not merely as an act of remembrance but as a platform for reflection on the values that should guide leadership and citizenship.
He noted that at a time when societies across the world are facing uncertainty, division and rapid change, there is value in returning to enduring principles.
“Leadership is stewardship, character matters, strong families build strong societies, and faith should inspire service,” he said.
Aig-Imoukhuede explained that the family established the annual lecture series to preserve and promote the values his mother embodied throughout her life, particularly in the areas of leadership, nation-building, citizenship and service.
According to him, while she devoted herself to praying for her family and church, she also prayed consistently for Nigeria because she believed strongly in the country’s future. “She believed deeply in the promise of the nation and never lost hope that its best days were still ahead,” he said.
He expressed hope that the lecture would evolve into a lasting platform through which distinguished Nigerians and friends of Nigeria could engage with some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including leadership, citizenship, values, faith, service and legacy.
Reflecting on his mother’s life, Aig-Imoukhuede said she was not defined by wealth, power or ideology. “What distinguished her was something deeper, her unwavering commitment to service. She believed that every gift carried a responsibility and every opportunity carried an obligation,” he said.
“And the principle that each of us bears responsibility for improving the world around us,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Fola Adeola described leadership as both a privilege and a responsibility, stressing that effective leadership demands a deep commitment to service and accountability.
He noted that serving the nation requires qualities such as fairness, compassion, resilience and the courage to advocate for others when the situation demands it.