Category: Religion

Foursquare Church in Nigeria celebrates Mothers and ‘Big M’ Day”

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon   On Sunday, May 11, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria, marked a significant celebration combining Mother’s Day and Big “M” Day. This event, which is part of a broader, month-long celebration across Nigeria’s Foursquare Gospel Churches, highlighted the vital role of mothers through a spiritually enriching service.   The central theme of the celebrationt was “The Strength of A Mother’s Faith,” articulated through a poignant sermon by Pastor (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Aladegbaye.   Pastor (Mrs.) Aladegbaye’s sermon drew heavily from the…

Friday Sermon: Hajj, One Of The Pillars Of Islam By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions. Dear brothers and sisters! Hajj is an Arabic term which literally means “to leave for a place.” Islamically, it refers to the sacred pilgrimage and the fifth pillar of Islam. Every year, over two million Muslims visit the noble city of Makkah to perform the rituals of Hajj during the last…

BREAKING: American-Born Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV

Emporium Reporters

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born Catholic cleric, has been elected the new Pope by the College of Cardinals following the death of Pope Francis. He has chosen the papal name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church. White smoke billowing from the chimney of the Saint Peter’s Basilica earlier today signaled the successful conclusion of the papal conclave, sparking jubilation across Vatican City. The announcement was made shortly after, with Pope Leo XIV appearing at the balcony of the Basilica to address…

NAHCON ends 2025 Hajj Registration, Inaugural Flight set to depart Owerri May 9

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the official closure of registration for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. According to a statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Information and Publication Division, the registration ended on Friday, May 2, 2025, following an extension granted by the NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman. The original deadline had been fixed for March 25, 2025.   The Commission explained that the halt in registration was necessary to enable smooth planning and airlift of intending pilgrims with adequate provision for their welfare…

2025 Hajj Operations begin as NAHCON Advance Team departs for Saudi Arabia

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj exercise with the departure of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The team, which included essential operational staff and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed Abuja on Monday following a farewell ceremony at the Hajj House.   Introducing the team to the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, commended their excellent performance in the previous year. He noted that their dedication laid…

NAHCON sets up Central Security Committee to safeguard 2025 Hajj Pilgrims

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a decisive move to enhance the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated a 21-member Central Security Committee (CSC) ahead of the 2025 Hajj operations. The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday in Abuja, was presided over by NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman. He charged the committee members to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, sincerity, and fear of Allah, stressing that their duty is crucial to the spiritual journey of thousands of Nigerians. “Try your best to do your best…

Building A Godly Home: Practical Tips From Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu

Emporium Reporters

By Afolabi Olajuwon   Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s sermon offers profound insights into how divine guidance can transform families, emphasizing the importance of upholding godly values. Through his teachings, he illustrates how families can be strengthened and enriched by aligning their principles and actions with spiritual direction, fostering environments of growth, harmony, and moral integrity.   Location: Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria   On May 4, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, witnessed a profound spiritual gathering as Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu delivered…

MURIC to Shari’ah Critics: Where is your voice after Makinde’s U-Turn?

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has questioned the conspicuous silence of critics who had earlier opposed the introduction of Shari’ah arbitration panels in the South-West, following Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent public endorsement of the panels in Oyo State.   The Islamic rights group described the silence as hypocritical and deliberate, accusing South-West opinion leaders, socio-political groups, and state actors of double standards. This was contained in a statement issued on Friday, 2nd May 2025, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.   Earlier in the year, the establishment…

Friday Sermon: The Death Of A Great Scholar, A Tribute To Shaykh Abdur-Rashid Hadiyyatullah! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions. Dear brothers and sisters! The president of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), Shaykh Abdur-Rashid Hadiyyatullah, passed away on Monday, 28th April, 2025. He died after a brief illness in his home town, Iwo, Osun State, and he was 83. Respected servants of Allah! Shaykh Hadiyyatullah was born in…

NAHCON Chairman unveils strategic reforms for affordable, sustainable Hajj at Stakeholders’ Summit

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has unveiled major financial reforms aimed at achieving affordable and sustainable Hajj operations in Nigeria. He made this known on Tuesday, 30th April 2025, during the 2nd National Stakeholders’ Summit of Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah Industry held at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.   Delivering his opening remarks at the summit, Professor Usman, who is addressing the forum for the first time since his appointment, emphasized the urgent need to develop resilient Hajj financing models amidst rising…