Bomba Dauda
The Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Marshall Katung, has called on Nigerians to embrace the values of justice, dialogue and selfless leadership championed by Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, describing them as critical to building a stronger and more united nation.
Katung made the call on Monday while presenting the book, Reflections of a Shepherd – The Quotations of Bishop Matthew Kukah, at the Catholic Secretariat in Durumi, Abuja.
The 229-page publication, authored by journalist James Swam in collaboration with The Kukah Centre, compiles more than 100 quotations by Bishop Kukah on democracy, governance, justice, national unity and other issues affecting Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the senator described Bishop Kukah as one of Nigeria’s most influential moral voices whose contributions have shaped public discourse beyond the church.
“For decades, Bishop Kukah has been one of Nigeria’s most respected public intellectuals and one of Africa’s most courageous advocates for justice,” Katung said, adding that history would remember him as “a churchman, a scholar, an advocate for justice, and a nation builder.”
According to the lawmaker, the bishop’s interventions on constitutionalism, corruption, education, security, interfaith relations and national unity have consistently challenged Nigerians to place justice and the common good above personal interests.
Katung said the book highlights four essential pillars for nation building: justice as the foundation of peace, hope amid national challenges, dialogue instead of confrontation, and leadership rooted in service.
“We live in an era where our diversity is too often manipulated rather than celebrated, and where many young people are tempted to despair about the future. At such a time, voices like Bishop Kukah’s perform a national service,” he said.
He noted that sustainable national development depends not only on government policies but also on values, ideas and moral courage capable of inspiring citizens.
The senator commended James Swam and The Kukah Centre for documenting Bishop Kukah’s thoughts, saying the publication would preserve his ideas for future generations.
He also urged schools, universities, seminaries and public institutions to adopt the book as a resource for nurturing ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.
