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•Says Africa must remain true to its human values, cultural heritage as it embraces democracy
•Receives Mundo Negro Award in Spain
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, and founder of The Kukah Centre, Most Revd Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said it is too early to judge democracy in Africa.
He also tasked Africa to remain true to its human values and cultural heritage as it embraces democracy.
Kukah, who stated this while receiving the 2023 Mundo Negro Award in Madrid, Spain, equally said even advanced nations that had practised democracy for over 600 years, were still not contented with democracy.
His submission is coming amidst political instability in some parts of Africa, particularly the West African sub-region.
He said: “It’s too early to judge democracy in Africa. Even advanced nations that have practised democracy for over 600 years are still not contented with democracy.”
The former Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, further said democracy has its challenges in Africa due to illiteracy, corruption and lack of accountability.
Kukah, however, said there is a need to bring back the role of the Catholic Church; a church that actually educated the first generation of politicians, who fought for independence and sowed the seed of discipline and unity across the continent of Africa.
He disclosed that he set up The Kukah Centre to precisely establish a platform for engagement with wider society, deploying the social teachings of the Catholic Church.
According to him, “While embracing democracy, Africa must remain true to its human values and cultural heritage.”
Recall that in September 2023, Revd Fr Enrique Bayo Mata, a priest of the Comboni Missionaries, and Director of the Madrid-based Spanish Magazine, Mundo Negro, through a letter, informed Kukah about the award.
The award, which goes with a cash price of €10,000 reward, was presented to Kukah, who was accompanied by the Executive Director of The Kukah Centre, Revd Fr Atta Barkindo on Saturday.
Mata had said: “Every year, the Magazine organises the ‘Encounter with Africa’ during which the award is given to a chosen African personality or institution that has been characterised by their contribution to the construction of a better world and a better African continent. Our eyes have been opened to the excellent work of the Kukah Centre founded by you.”
Reacting to the development, The Kukah Centre, in a Facebook post, said: “In an inspiring ceremony in Madrid, Spain, our very own Bishop Matthew Kukah and Fr. Atta Barkindo have been presented with the prestigious Mundo Negro award, a testament to their unwavering dedication and relentless efforts at The Kukah Centre.
“Their journey of fostering peace, encouraging dialogue, and building bridges in Nigeria’s diverse landscape is not just a beacon of hope, but a call to action for all of us. This recognition goes beyond awards; it’s a reminder that every step towards making Nigeria a better place counts, and together, we can achieve the extraordinary. Let’s draw inspiration from their commitment and continue to contribute our part in our various capacities.”
While congratulating Bishop Kukah and Fr Barkindo and the entire team at The Kukah Centre, the Kukah Centre added that “Your work is a powerful narrative of change and resilience.”
