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By Chukwuma Umeorah
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, has decried the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, warning that the challenge has brought the country to its knees and underscored the urgent need for effective leadership to steer the nation out of its current difficulties.
Kukah spoke in Lagos on Monday at the inaugural lecture commemorating the fifth memorial anniversary of Pastor Emily Aig-Imoukhuede. The lecture, organised by the Aig-Imoukhuede family, was themed, “Leadership and Service to God, Nation and Humanity.”
Kukah stressed that leadership remains central to addressing Nigeria’s security and development challenges, noting 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.
Speaking on the life and values of the late Emily Aig-Imoukhuede, he urged Nigerians to look beyond status and fame, describing her as a woman committed to service and the welfare of others. He likened her dedication to humanitarian causes to that of Mother Teresa, particularly her concern for children and the less privileged.
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, Fola Adeola described leadership as both a burden and a privilege that requires responsibility and commitment to service.
He said serving the nation demands fairness, kindness, steadfastness and a willingness to stand up for others when required.
