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Nigerian Cardinal, Catholic Bishop among “100 Most Notable Peace ICONS, Africa”

John Cardinal Onaiyekan (left) and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (right) named in the list of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa award. Credit: Oyo Diocese/Sokoto Diocese

By Jude Atemanke

Abuja, 21 August, 2023 / 9:48 pm (ACI Africa).

Two Nigerian Catholic Prelates, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, have been listed among 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa.

The two Catholic Church leaders are in the “Peacebuilding row call” that includes other religious leaders, heads of State, diplomats, traditional rulers, artists, and other career professionals that was unveiled by the organisers on August 18 in Abuja.

“This initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to acknowledging and applauding the remarkable individuals and collectives that have played key roles in nurturing peace, harmony, and positive change on the African continent,” Amb. Kinsley Amafibe, Project Director Africa for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons, Africa said.

Amb. Amafibe added, “This initiative celebrates the dedication of those who have labored continuously to reduce conflicts, advance social bonds, and establish connections amidst diverse communities.”

“Within this illustrious roster of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, we encounter a rich shade of leaders, economists, financial experts, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialists, entertainment entrepreneurs and traditional rulers,” he further said.

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The official of the initiative added in reference to the 100 peace icons in Africa, “They have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave inerasable legacies, with each narrative as a tribute to perseverance and determination, enclosed in the cherished values of Africa- unity, harmony, and progress.”

Cardinal Onaiyekan and Bishop Kukah have been vocal about injustices, insecurity, good governance and equality in Nigeria.

Earlier this month, Cardinal Cardinal Onaiyekan called upon election tribunals working on the February and March poll petitions to speed up their assignments for unity in the West African nation.

“We need indeed to work hard for unity in our nation. The election tribunals should complete their assignments as soon as possible so that the nation can start to regain its unity and common action, without which our grievous challenges cannot be properly addressed,” the Nigerian cardinal was quoted as saying in an August 4 report.

On August 8, Bishop Kukah called on citizens in the West African nation to unite forces in order to fight persistent insecurity.

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Speaking at a high-level town hall meeting on the promotion of peace and security in the North-western Nigeria held in Sokoto, the vocal Nigerian Catholic Bishop who is also known for good governance advocacy said, “If we can work together, we will achieve a lot.”

“What we’re dealing with in Nigeria is not religion, but without education, the best of us - be it Christian or Muslim - cannot be actualized,” Bishop Kukah said, and added, “Be like the mosquito that doesn’t discriminate.”

Other faith leaders named for the award include Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, and tele-evangelist Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.  

Some of the heads of state named among the “100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa” include Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, President William Ruto of Kenya, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, and Joyce Hilda- Band, First Female President in Malawi.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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