Bishop Mathew Kukah of Sokoto Dioceses has decried the level of ignorance and poverty, especially in the northern region, accusing politicians for not doing enough to address the problems.
At a high-level town hall meeting on Building Collaborative Pathways for Women’s Inclusion in Peace and Security Holding organized by the Global Right in collaboration with Kukah Foundation in Sokoto on Wednesday, he recalled how the late Premier of the defunct Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello brought Yaki da Jahilci (Mass Education) to fight ignorance in the North.
“When Sardauna saw what was happening in the South, he brought Yaki Da Jahilci to ensure our people know how to write and read.
“But our present politicians are taking our votes, they are not giving us education, rather they are giving us poverty,” he stressed
According to the Bishop, there was no substitute for knowledge, adding that, ignorance was the neighbour of poverty.
Bishop Kukah however, advocated for increased roles for women in the society, maintaining that the success of the society lied on the creation of a situation whereby every member could contribute to its development.
“Women remain vulnerable in our societies. What do we need to do to change their lives? Because if there is ignorance there is hunger.
“As women are getting more education, their responsibilities increase and the family burden on the husband reduces.
“Maigida (husband) can die or lose his job. What will happen to the family, especially if the mother of the house is not doing anything to support the family?,” he asked
He further stated the role women could play in the maintenance of peace and security in the country, saying they could be useful in intelligence gathering because security was not always about guns.
“We must put our hands together. We need to secure ourselves. Let’s take control of our own lives,” he said
