By Philip Nwosu

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, has called on Nigerians to hold political office holders accountable and ensure they fulfil their campaign promises.

He made the appeal during a keynote address at the centenary public lecture and awards ceremony organised by the Catholic Herald, Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper, published weekly by the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos.

The event, held at the Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Victoria Island, Lagos, had the theme: “The Nigerian State: Transcending Challenges, Attending True Nationhood.”

Bishop Kukah emphasised that the quality of civil society greatly influences the level of change within any society. He urged political leaders to adopt people-centered policies and involve citizens in the implementation of projects and programs that address the needs of the masses.

“Nigeria’s journey to nationhood should be of concern to the people, with a focus on the desired destination. Nation building is a long-distance race that requires patriotic zeal to achieve success.”

Kukah also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the task of nation building and prayed for divine strength to continue championing just causes.

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, emphasised the significant role Catholic Herald played in Nigeria’s independence movement and its continued contribution to national discourse.

Archbishop Martins noted that Catholic Herald, apart from its religious mission, has long been a platform for public enlightenment and societal advancement.

“Catholic Herald was instrumental during the pre-independence era and continues to promote both evangelism and national dialogue,” Martins said, reflecting on the newspaper’s enduring impact on Nigerian society.

He also urged the newspaper’s editorial board to broaden its scope of public enlightenment, ensuring that it remains a vital source of information and engagement on issues affecting the nation. The Archbishop reiterated the importance of fostering public discourse through the paper to support societal progress and development.

Founded over a century ago, Catholic Herald remains Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper, committed to its dual role of evangelism and advocating for national progress.

prominent lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, called on the government to work to ensure a new constitution for the country, especially as it will lead to the fixing of other problems in the country.

Ozekhome who was a discussant on the paper presented by Most Reverend Kukah during the event said the most progressive countries across the world, are those countries that have given their people a brand new constitution

He said that the present constitution which Nigeria is operating is an attachment to degree 24 of 1999, saying that Nigeria must trace its steps if it must get things right.

His words: “A constitution is very important. I was one of the patriots who met with the President roughly two months ago and I wrote the paper for The Patriots, where we demanded for a brand new constitution that should be subjected to the referendum of the people. The President’s own answer was that he thinks fixing the economy was more important, no Mr president, it can’t  be more important, because if you are having a super structure that is fundamentally flawed, every other thing coming there cannot work.

“So is not a question of the chicken and egg which comes first,  if it’s subjected to that, I will say a good new constitution that the people believe in and accept as their document is more important because it will lead to the fixing of other problems.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said Nigeria since its inception has faced numerous trials – social, political, economic and religious, but in every adversity, “we have found strength and opportunity to transcend.”

He said Nigeria stands at a critical junction of her history, “one where our actions and decisions will determine the future for generations to come.  The role of the Catholic Herald in shaping this journey cannot be over state.”

He praised the publication and congratulated it for its 100 years anniversary, saying for centuries, the publication had been a beacon of truth and moral clarity, guiding not only the Catholic faithful but also Nigerians.

He said the newspaper had evolved, providing the platform for discussion, accountability and reflection “and it is this commitment to truth that we celebrate today.”

He urged Nigerians to look beyond their differences and seek common ground in their collective aspiration for a prosperous, just and equitable society.

“True nationhood cannot be attained by emphasizing what divides us but by nurturing what unites us, our hope for a better  future, our shared values and our commitment to the common good.”

He said government will continue to create an enabling environment for the people to thrive, adding that in Lagos stated policies that address inequality, improve infrastructure and ensure social justice for all had been initiated.