The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, has urged Nigerians to demand accountability from political officeholders, calling on citizens to ensure that leaders fulfil their campaign promises. The prominent cleric made this call during a keynote address at the centenary public lecture and awards ceremony hosted by *The Catholic Herald*, Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper.
The event, held at the Mother of Perpetual Help Church on Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrated the 100-year anniversary of *The Catholic Herald*, a weekly publication of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. The theme of the lecture was *“The Nigerian State: Transcending Challenges, Attending True Nationhood.”*
In his address, Kukah stressed that the progress of any society is largely dependent on the strength and vigilance of its civil society. He appealed to Nigerian leaders to adopt people-oriented policies and include citizens in the decision-making process to address the needs of the masses effectively.
“Nigeria’s journey to nationhood is one that should concern all its people, with a clear focus on the desired destination,” Kukah said. “Nation-building is a long-distance race that requires patriotic commitment and zeal to achieve lasting success.”
The cleric further emphasized the importance of a sustained effort toward nation-building and called on Nigerians to remain committed to the cause.
Speaking at the event, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, praised *The Catholic Herald* for its vital role in Nigeria’s pre-independence era. He noted that the newspaper had been instrumental in promoting national discourse and called on the editorial board to continue expanding its scope of enlightenment and social advocacy.
The event marked a significant milestone for *The Catholic Herald*, which has served as a platform for nationalists and advocates for Nigerian independence, in addition to its evangelism efforts.
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