Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah has been conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in recognition of his long-standing contributions to nation-building through peace advocacy, interfaith dialogue, and civic engagement. Known for his bold commentary on national issues and unwavering commitment to justice, the honour is seen as a national acknowledgement of the moral weight he has carried across decades of service. The award, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, celebrates Kukah’s role as a fearless moral voice and bridge-builder during some of the nation’s most difficult moments. From the pulpit to high-level national consultations, he has remained a consistent advocate for unity, truth, and good governance.
Born in Anpuna, Kaduna State, in 1952 and ordained as a Catholic priest in 1976, Kukah’s public journey has included founding the Kukah Centre and Kukah Foundation, two institutions devoted to leadership development, peacebuilding, and governance reform. He served as secretary of the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (Oputa Panel), contributed to the National Political Reform Conference, and has been a leading figure on the National Peace Committee, helping mediate tension during several election cycles. As Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Kukah has earned national respect not just for his pastoral leadership, but for consistently speaking truth to power, often from a principled and patriotic place. His work continues to influence policy, bridge divisions, and inspire new generations of leaders.
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