The senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Marshall Katung, has advised that the ideas and enduring contributions of renowned Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, should be preserved for future generations.
He described the outspoken cleric as one of Nigeria’s most consistent moral voices.
Katung spoke in Abuja during the public presentation of “Reflection of a Shepherd: The Quotations of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah”, a book compiled by James S. Swam in collaboration with The Kukah Centre.
The lawmaker said the publication was more than a collection of quotations, stressing that it affirmed the importance of moral leadership and the need to preserve the voices of individuals who inspire, challenge and unite society.
He described books as enduring custodians of memory, wisdom and vision, adding that nations rise not only through economic strength and institutions but also through the power of ideas.
Katung said Kukah’s influence had never depended on political office or temporal power but on his commitment to truth, integrity, scholarship and faith.
According to him, the publication captured decades of the bishop’s speeches, sermons, lectures, interviews and public interventions, enabling readers to engage with ideas that have shaped his ministry and influenced generations of Nigerians.
The senator identified justice, hope, dialogue and servant leadership as the dominant themes running through the book, saying Kukah had consistently argued that justice remains the foundation for lasting peace, while patriotism must be rooted in fairness, accountability and the common good.
He added that despite Nigeria’s numerous challenges, the Catholic bishop had continued to inspire hope, encourage dialogue rather than confrontation, and advocate leadership driven by humility, compassion and service.
Katung urged Nigerians to study the book, recommending it for homes, schools, seminaries, universities and libraries, while commending Swam for documenting what he described as Kukah’s enduring thoughts for posterity.
Earlier, the executive director of The Kukah Centre, Rev. Fr. Atta A. Bakindo, said the organisation remained committed to providing a platform for robust discussions on national issues, creativity, innovation and research.
Bakindo said the centre would continue to welcome scholars, researchers and thought leaders, insisting that the world was ultimately driven by ideas.
A former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), Kanu Agabi, described Kukah as a faithful servant whose courage and unwavering criticism of injustice had earned him national respect.
Agabi said Nigeria still needed Kukah’s prophetic voice, adding that true leadership must always be guided by righteousness, justice and respect for the rights of others.
The author, Swam, said the book was inspired by the need to preserve the thoughts of great leaders whose ideas continue to shape societies.
He said what began as a tribute during Kukah’s 70th birthday celebration evolved into a full publication after he realised that the bishop’s extensive writings and public interventions deserved permanent documentation.
