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Bishop Mathew Kukah Delivers Keynote at Abati’s Lagos Book Launch
Bishop Mathew Kukah will headline Reuben Abati’s triple book launch in Lagos on November 7, delivering a keynote on Nigeria’s renewal and unity
Bishop Mathew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, will headline the official presentation of three new books by veteran journalist and public intellectual Dr Reuben Abati on Friday, 7 November 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.
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The highly anticipated event coincides with Dr Abati’s 60th birthday and celebrates his enduring influence on Nigerian journalism, politics, and literature.
Bishop Kukah will deliver a keynote address titled “Nigeria: Time to Re-Load”, a reflective exploration of national renewal, governance, and unity.
Known for his fearless advocacy on social justice and good governance, the cleric’s participation adds a moral and intellectual depth to the occasion.
Published by Caltop Publications Nigeria Limited, the three books—Portraits: People, Politics and Society, A Love Letter & Other Stories, and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President—capture different dimensions of Abati’s career as a writer, thinker, and former presidential spokesperson.
Organisers have confirmed that the event will draw leading voices from academia, politics, the clergy, and the media. The launch will begin at 10 a.m. at the NIIA, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island.
A Rhodes and Edward Mason Fellow, Bishop Mathew Kukah studied at the University of Bradford, Oxford University, and Harvard University, earning his PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
His acclaimed works, including Religion, Politics and Power in Northern Nigeria and Witness to Justice, continue to shape Nigeria’s socio-political thought.
Currently the convener of the National Peace Committee, established to promote peaceful elections and national cohesion, Kukah’s presence at the launch underscores the intersection of faith, scholarship, and civic responsibility.
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Dr Abati’s literary and political reflections are expected to inspire dialogue on Nigeria’s democratic evolution and collective responsibility in rebuilding trust and leadership.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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