Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, on Tuesday delivered a stirring welcome address as eminent Nigerians gathered for the commissioning of the St. Bakhita ICT/CBT Center, established by legal luminary and philanthropist, Aare Afe Babalola, at the Catholic Secretariat, Aliyu Jodi Road, Sokoto.
Bishop Kukah expressed gratitude to Aare Babalola for his selfless commitment to education and human capital development, noting that the ICT/CBT center would not only serve Sokoto but also contribute significantly to bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.
He described the facility as a “timely intervention in an age where knowledge and technology remain the backbone of national progress.”
He underscored the importance of collaboration across faiths, ethnicities, and regions, urging Nigerians to embrace education as a common ground for building peace and prosperity.
“Our nation’s strength lies in its diversity, and through education, we can turn that diversity into a blessing rather than a burden,” Bishop Kukah declared.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, in his goodwill message, used the occasion to restate his strong position against banditry, stressing that bandits are terrorists with no religion or ethnic identity.
He emphasized that Nigerians must never allow criminals to divide them.
“God does not make mistakes. He has brought us together as one people, and we must live in peace and harmony while seeking knowledge to better our society,” the Sultan said, calling for unity against forces bent on destabilizing the country.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was also in attendance, delivered a sobering warning about Nigeria’s future.
He recalled his earlier prediction that by 2050, the country would struggle to manage a population projected at over 400 million people.
“With over 25 million children out of school today, roaming the streets without education, the Boko Haram of 2050 will be more difficult to handle,” Obasanjo cautioned.
He stressed that urgent action must be taken to address food insecurity, education, and governance before the crisis reaches unmanageable proportions.
” I don’t pray to be alive for the next 25 years, Sultan and Bishop will be alive to witness the unforseen catastrophy” says the former president.
In his remarks, Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State, represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Aminu Haliru Dikko (mni), announced plans by the state government to establish ICT centers across all three senatorial districts.
He commended Aare Babalola and Bishop Kukah for their foresight, describing the new facility as a catalyst for technological advancement in Sokoto.
Governor Aliyu pledged that his administration would continue to prioritize education, skills development, and youth empowerment, noting that such initiatives are the foundation for peace and economic growth.
The commissioning ceremony attracted dignitaries from across the country, cutting across political, religious, and cultural divides, underscoring the unifying power of education and technology in Nigeria’s future.
