KADUNA – The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Archbishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese have stressed the importance of family values in ensuring Nigeria’s security and building a peaceful, resilient nation, saying that weak family foundation produces weak and insecure communities.
The duo spoke on Monday, at the opening of Exercise Haske Biyu 2025 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto noted that, “The smallest yet most important building block of society is the family. Weak families produce weak communities while strong families sustain peaceful and resilient nations.”
He stressed that most values shaping security culture are acquired in early childhood within the family, long before schools or other institutions exert their influence. “The world has not and will never invent anything to replace the family,” he said.
Tracing lessons from history, the Sultan recalled the Sokoto Caliphate, on how Sheikh Abdullahi’s writings on child-rearing served as the social policy of the Caliphate, demonstrating that strong family values underpin governance and societal stability.
He expressed the fear that corruption, illicit wealth, and negative influences from technology and social media are eroding family discipline and exposing children to online dangers, undermining moral upbringing.
To address these challenges, the Sultan called for stronger marriage advisory councils, a review of basic education curricula to promote values, effective drug control, and regulation of harmful digital content.
He also urged the government to ensure no child is left out of school and to properly fund institutions addressing out-of-school children.
Both speakers emphasized that achieving a peaceful and secure Nigeria begins at the family level, urging policymakers, stakeholders, and citizens to prioritize the strengthening of families as the surest way to safeguard national security.
Archbishop Kukah’s paper on “Relationship Between Family Dynamics and National Security” was delivered by Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, who represented him.
Bishop Kukah highlighted that the family is the foundation of any society, noting that the socialization and formation of values in children begins at home.
“Many parents, due to several factors, are unable to raise their children to be responsible citizens,” he said, emphasizing that youth radicalization in Nigeria is often rooted in defective family upbringing.
He explained that other factors contributing to youth unrest include lack of access to formal education, disinterest in schooling, and the growing desire for quick money.
He stressed that these issues make family upbringing a critical factor that cannot be ignored.
Citing Proverbs 22:6, Bishop Kukah said, “‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ This timeless wisdom underscores the vital role of family in shaping character, values, and discipline in children.”
According to him, a stable family environment fosters security, trust, and cooperation, helping children develop emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills that are essential for societal stability.
Families that exemplify healthy conflict management, he added, produce individuals who cultivate tolerance, patience, and kindness regardless of origin or creed.
He further noted that strong family bonds provide social support networks that help individuals resist vices, manage trauma, and build interpersonal skills that reduce hostility and violence, ultimately contributing to national security.
He linked civic engagement and community involvement to family dynamics. “Growing up in a family that inspires participation in civic activities can help foster a sense of responsibility, leading to more engaged and secure communities,” he said.
Bishop Kukah outlined policy implications for national security, emphasizing that stable families can prevent radicalization, strengthen community cohesion, and support mental health and well-being.
He therefore urged governments to invest in family support programs, counseling services, and community-based initiatives to foster healthier family environments.
