Category: Religion

MURIC demands Justice as Masquerades invade Mosque, assault Imam’s family in Ondo

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A group of masquerade traditionalists reportedly invaded the mosque and residence of the Chief Imam of Oke Agbe, Akoko, in Akoko North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Thursday, June 12, 2025, assaulting the Imam’s wives and children.   The Islamic human rights organization, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has condemned the incident in strong terms, describing it as “irrational, barbaric, and another evidence of growing anti-Muslim sentiments in Yorubaland.”   In a statement released on Monday, June 16, by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC revealed that the…

Father’s Day: Reflections on Faith and Family at Foursquare Church

Emporium Reporters

By Afolabi Olajuwon On Sunday, June 15, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church at the Wuse District Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, hosted a vibrant Father’s Day celebration, emphasizing the essential role of a responsible Christian father in the family and society. The event, part of a global initiative by Foursquare Gospel Churches, focused on family unity, spiritual growth, and the biblical principles of fatherhood. The celebration began with a soul-stirring praise and worship session by men’s mass choir led by Psalmist Adebisi, setting a tone of reverence and gratitude. The congregation…

NAHCON Chairman Thanks Saudi Government, Daleel Al Maalim for Support During 2025 Hajj

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has expressed deep gratitude to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Daleel Al Maalim Transportation Company for their support and hospitality during the 2025 Hajj operations. Speaking at a dinner organized in honour of NAHCON by Daleel Al Maalim in Makkah, Professor Usman described the successful completion of the pilgrimage as a testament to the spirit of cooperation and Islamic brotherhood between the two nations.   Quoting from the…

Friday Sermon: How Selfishness Poses A Great Dangers To Our Nations! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions. To proceed: Dear brothers and sisters! Selfishness is a disease of the heart and we can have it in varying degrees – from healthy to severe, and when it is at extreme levels it is dangerous to our own selves and to our nations. Ironically, the more we…

2026/1447 Hajj preparations officially launched as NAHCON joins global pilgrimage community at closing ceremony

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, has formally declared the preparations for the 2026/1447 Hajj season open, signaled the official start of arrangements and operational readiness for the 2026 Hajj. The announcement was made during the Labbaitum Awards of Excellence ceremony held in Makkah, an event that mark the conclusion of the 2025/1446H Hajj season while honoring outstanding contributors to the Hajj industry during the 2025 Hajj operation. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Chairman and CEO,…

Rev Adebisi encourages Believers to embrace a season of refreshing

Emporium Reporters

By Afolabi Olajuwon   On Sunday, June 8, 2025, the atmosphere within Wuse District Headquarters of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Abuja, Nigeria, was charged with spiritual anticipation and vibrant worship. The second Sunday service of June revolved around a powerful theme: “Refresh Us Oh Lord,” passionately delivered by Rev. Matanmi Adebisi, who encouraged the congregation to realize their full potential through faith and spiritual renewal. Worship and Praise Session: A Prelude to Spiritual Readiness: The service commenced with an inspiring praise and worship session, led by the church choir.…

NAHCON hosts National Assembly delegation in Mina ….. Lawmakers commend Pilgrims’ Welfare

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a notable display of legislative oversight and religious diplomacy, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, on Saturday welcomed a high-powered delegation from Nigeria’s National Assembly to Mina, the sacred city of tents. The visit highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj. The delegation was led by Honourable Jafaru Aliyu, Chairman of the House Committee on Pilgrims’ Affairs, alongside his Deputy, Hon. Nalaraba Chiroma (Gezawa). Other members of…

NAHCON Chairman hails Nigerian Pilgrims’ conduct, announces return flight schedule

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has extended heartfelt Eid al-Adha greetings to all Muslims, particularly the Nigerian pilgrims currently performing Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.   In a statement released on Friday, Professor Usman congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Adha and expressed special felicitations to pilgrims who witnessed the sacred Day of Arafat, praying for the acceptance of their prayers and sacrifices.   He urged the faithful to reflect deeply on the spiritual lessons of…

MURIC condemns arrest of muslim leaders, warns Ogudu Police against aiding landgrabber …. Urges Police to shift meeting scheduled for day before Salah

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned in strong terms the arrest of the Imam and officials of the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) by operatives of the Nigeria Police at a construction site in Ogudu, Lagos State, following a land dispute allegedly instigated by a landgrabber.   According to MURIC, the arrest was not only unlawful but also smacks of religious insensitivity, as it occurred during a critical period leading up to the Eid-el-Kabir (Salah) celebration. The organisation warned the Ogudu Police Division against allowing itself to be used…

Sacrifice In Leadership: Lessons from Eid Al-Adha By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

Wednesday, Dhul-Hijjah 08, 1446 AH (04/06/2025)   In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful   All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions.   Dear brothers and sisters! This coming Friday, we find ourselves celebrating significant occasion: Eid Al-Adha, a significant holiday for Muslims worldwide. Though rooted in different traditions, this celebration offer many lessons in leadership, sacrifice, and gratitude. Many of us…