"BISHOP KUKAH CONFERRED WITH COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE NIGER (CON) BY PRESIDENT TINUBU.
The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto joyfully announces and wholeheartedly congratulates Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, on the conferment of the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, During the joint session of the National Assembly to mark Democracy Day, On the 12th June 2025. This honour is a fitting recognition of Bishop Kukah’s distinguished contributions to nation-building, his unwavering advocacy for justice and peace, and his commitment to fostering dialogue across religious and ethnic lines. For decades, Bishop Kukah has stood as a moral compass in Nigeria’s public life, bringing to bear the values of the Gospel in the public square with clarity, courage, and charity. As a shepherd of souls, renowned public intellectual, and statesman of conscience, Bishop Kukah has served both the Church and the nation with rare integrity and prophetic insight. The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, the entire Church in Nigeria, and indeed people of goodwill across all divides rejoice with him on this national acknowledgment. We pray that Almighty God will continue to bless, protect, and strengthen Bishop Kukah in his pastoral ministry and in his tireless efforts toward a more just, peaceful, and united Nigeria. Ad multos annos! Now Officially; Most. Revd. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, CON. Revd. Fr. Pascal Salifu, (Director of Communications) 13th June, 2025."
