Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev. Dr Matthew Kukah, has decried the worsening insecurity in the country, lamenting that the challenge have brought the country to its knees.
The cleric spoke yesterday in Lagos at the inaugural lecture commemorating the fifth memorial anniversary of Pastor Emily Aig-Imoukhuede, with a lecture themed, “Leadership and Service to God, Nation and Humanity.”
According to him, good leaders must understand and master the terrain and environment in which the bandits operate.
He stressed the need effective leadership to rescue the country from the grip of insecurity.
Explaining the concept of leadership, Kukah said leadership is about influence, discernment, clear vision and purpose.
The cleric who drew lessons from Singapore’s transformation, urged Nigerian leaders to emulate countries that have successfully overcome developmental challenges through effective leadership.
Speaking on the life of the late Emily Aig-Imoukhuede and the values that shaped her, Kukah emphasised the need to look beyond status and fame.
He likened her life of service to that of Mother Teresa, noting her passion for children and the welfare of the less privileged.
In his welcome address, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuedr said the occasion was designed to be more than an act of remembrance, but an opportunity to reflect on the values by which life should be lived and the responsibilities that accompany leadership.
He stressed that at a time when societies around the world are grappling with uncertainty, division and rapid change, there is value in returning to timeless principles: that leadership is stewardship, character matters, strong families build strong societies, and faith should inspire service.
He explained that to honour and preserve his mother’s enduring values, the family established the memorial lecture as an annual platform for reflection on leadership, citizenship, nation-building and service.
He said that while she prayed for her family and church, his mother prayed fervently for Nigeria, which he said occupied a special place in her heart.
According to him, she believed deeply in the promise of the nation and never lost hope that its best days were still ahead.
Aig-Imoukhuede expressed hope that the lecture would become an enduring platform through which distinguished Nigerians and friends of Nigeria could engage with some of the most pressing issues facing the country.
The discussions, he said, would centre on 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.
Former Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Fola Adeola, described leadership as both a burden and a joy of serving with responsibility.
He said serving the nation requires a commitment to treating everyone fairly, guided by faith, kindness, steadfastness and a willingness to be present when needed.