Nigeria: 'Courage to be Christian Award winner inspires us all'

Tobias Yahaya hold his award next to Bishop Matthew Kukah during the special Mass

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

A Catechist, who received an award after narrowly escaping death and forgiving his attackers, has "inspired" his whole diocese in north-west Nigeria - his bishop has said.

Tobias Yahaya, recipient of Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) (UK)'s #RedWednesday Courage to be Christian award, was given a hero's welcome during a thanksgiving Mass back home in Sokoto.

Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto, who presided at the Mass at Holy Family Cathedral, an occasion packed with clergy, catechists and lay faithful, said: "The award is an inspiration to us in the diocese."

In the statement sent to ACN (UK), Bishop Kukah added: "After the ceremonies, [Tobias] spoke to the congregation, proudly showed the award to great applause and merriment… Tobias shared with them his 2025 Courage to be Christian Award certificate, which he received in London's St George's Cathedral, Southwark, last November.

Bishop Kukah thanked Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark for agreeing for the award ceremony and Mass to be held in his cathedral. He said: "The conferment of the Award of Courage to be Christian to… Tobias was one of the great moments in our annals. The impact of the award was felt throughout the diocese. We are eternally thankful to Aid to the Church in Need for their unyielding support to us."

Tobias, a father of four - a catechist teacher and lay leader - was at home in Sokoto with his young family when one night he stepped outside to confront intruders. One of them stabbed him in the chest and when he lunged forward a second time Tobias grabbed him by the wrist seeking to wrestle him to the ground.

His wife raised the alarm, prompting neighbours to rush out and apprehend the man. Tobias was in intensive care and, after leaving hospital, the case went to court.

He received permission from the judge to embrace his would-be killer and he did so with the words "I forgive you". Tobias said: "In northern Nigeria, this ministry is not only indispensable but also heroic. Catechists are men and women, many with families, who respond generously to God's call in an environment often marked by poverty, insecurity, religious tension, and limited resources."

He said over time, the role of the catechist has expanded far beyond teaching catechism. In many parishes, catechists serve as evangelists and preachers, parish secretaries and record keepers, marriage instructors prayer leaders and liturgy coordinators, maintenance workers, altar assistants and ministers.

He added: "Despite their sacrifices, catechists are often misunderstood, ridiculed, or looked down upon. Most catechists are poorly paid or not paid at all. Many struggle to feed their families, pay school fees or meet basic needs."

Tobias's story came to ACN's attention when a delegation from the charity met him during a fact-finding and project assessment trip to northern Nigeria where the charity funds catechists' training and ongoing support as well as Christian education books and other materials.

John Pontifex, head of press and public affairs at ACN (UK), who met Tobias on the trip and who helped organise his UK visit in November when he received his award, said: "In more than 20 years travelling around the globe meeting survivors of persecution, I have met many heroic witnesses to Christ but few have been as brave as Tobias - his testimony of faith and forgiveness is truly remarkable."

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: https://acnuk.org