Kukah Hosts Landmark ICT Centre Launch as Sultan, Obasanjo Warn on Unity and Population Crisis

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, on Tuesday welcomed dignitaries to the commissioning of the St. Bakhita ICT/CBT Centre, a project established by legal icon and philanthropist Aare Afe Babalola at the Catholic Secretariat, Aliyu Jodi Road, Sokoto.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Kukah hailed Babalola’s enduring contributions to education and philanthropy, describing the ICT centre as a shining example of selfless service that would help bridge Nigeria’s digital divide. He stressed that technology and knowledge remain the backbone of progress in today’s competitive world.

“Our strength as a nation lies in our diversity. Through education, we can transform that diversity into a blessing rather than a burden,” Kukah said, urging Nigerians to rise above divisions and embrace education as a tool for unity.

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, reinforced his position on insecurity, insisting that bandits are “nothing but terrorists with no religion or ethnicity.” He warned Nigerians against allowing criminals to exploit fault lines to divide the country.

“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 improve our society,” the Sultan declared.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also delivered a stark warning on Nigeria’s growing population crisis, predicting dire consequences if urgent action is not taken. He noted that the country’s population is projected to surpass 400 million by 2050, while more than 25 million children are currently out of school.

“With over 25 million children out of school today, the Boko Haram of 2050 will be far more difficult to handle,” Obasanjo cautioned. He stressed that food security, quality education, and good governance must be prioritized to avert disaster.

In a candid remark, Obasanjo added: “I don’t pray to be alive for the next 25 years, but the Sultan and Bishop will be alive to witness the catastrophe if nothing is done.”

Representing Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Aminu Haliru Dikko (mni), announced that the state government would replicate ICT centres across its three senatorial districts. He commended Aare Babalola and Bishop Kukah for their foresight, describing the project as a catalyst for technological growth and youth empowerment.

Governor Aliyu further pledged to invest in education, skills acquisition, and empowerment, insisting these were the only sustainable foundations for peace, progress, and economic development.

The commissioning ceremony drew political, cultural, and religious leaders from across the country, underscoring the unifying power of education and technology in shaping Nigeria’s future.

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