Kukah Mourns As Sokoto Diocese Loses Chancellor

From Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has lost the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev Father Cornelius Tagwai in the early hours of Friday morning, a statement by Rev Father Nuhu Illiya has stated.

Father Cornelius, who was said to have been receiving medical attention outside the shores of Nigeria for months, was the Diocesan Chancellor until his passage.

Making the announcement of Father Cornelius passing, the acting Diocesan Chancellor, Rev Fr Nuhu Illiya said, Bishop Kukah requested for a prayers for the repose of the soul of the departed.  

The message sent to the religious, laity and members of the Catholic community by Rev Fr Nuhu read in part: “Good morning Very Rev./Rev. Fathers and Sisters. I have been mandated by the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, to inform you of the passing on to glory, of our brother and priest, Very Rev. Fr. Cornelius Tagwai,  the Chancellor of the diocese . 

“The sad event took place in the early hours of today. The Bishop has equally requested that prayers be offered for the peaceful repose of his soul.

“The burial arrangements will be communicated to you in due course. May the soul of our brother rest in peace”. 

Reacting to the sad development, both Christians and Muslims from across Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina States have expressed sadness over the death of Father Cornelius.

Giving testimony of his encounter with the late Very Rev Father Cornelius, Malam Suleiman Ibrahim from Kebbi state said, Takwai epitomized humility, care and man of peace while alive. 

Toeing that line of testimony, Mr Sunday Ibe, one of the members of Holy Family Catholic Church, Sokoto said late Fr Takwai would forever be remembered as a priest of peace whose love for humanity knows no boundary.