Category: Religion

Gaining Strength and Serenity in 2025: Insights from Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s Sermon

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon     On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Abuja became a beacon of hope and renewal as congregants gathered to embrace the new year with Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s inspiring sermon, “Grant Us Strength and Peace.”   Dr. Idowu’s messages are known for their profound insights and compassionate delivery, and this sermon was no exception, continuing his dynamic series exploring spiritual resilience and divine peace.   The ambiance was electric, filled with the harmonious voices of the church choir that set the…

MURIC condemns Ewi of Ado Ekiti’s dissolution of Ekiti Shari’ah panel, says it’s unconstitutional

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticized the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, over the recent dissolution of the Ekiti Shari’ah Panel. The traditional ruler reportedly summoned the Chief Imam of Ado Ekiti, Shaykh Jamiu Kewulere, to his palace on Saturday, January 25, 2025, where he ordered the immediate disbandment of the panel. In a press statement issued on Sunday, January 26, 2025, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC described the monarch’s action as illegal, illegitimate, and unconstitutional. The organization further labeled…

Friday Sermon: Qur’an Is The Book Of Guidance, Mercy And Glad Tidings By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful   Praise belongs to Allah alone; peace and blessing on the last Prophet, his family and his Companions.   Dear brothers and sisters! Noble Qur’an is the 4th and last sacred book of Almighty Allah revealed on Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Qur’an is the Book of guidance for all mankind. The responsibility of the safety of this Noble Book is taken by Almighty Allah by Himself. Qur’an is a source of great inspiration, guidance, and wisdom for…

MURIC denounces opposition to shari’ah panels in Yorubaland, calls for religious tolerance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused extremist Christian groups and Yoruba nation agitators of spreading falsehoods about Shari’ah panels in the South-West. The group described the ongoing opposition to the panels as evidence of religious intolerance and discrimination against Muslims in the region.   In a press statement issued on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC clarified that the panels were established to address family disputes among Muslims and not to enforce full Shari’ah law or target non-Muslims.   Akintola pointed to recent…

NAHCON Announces 2025 Hajj Fare for Nigerian Pilgrims, Prices Vary by Region

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has released the official fare for Nigerian pilgrims intending to embark on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, with costs varying by region. The fare, which was approved by the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, is set at N8,457,685.59 for pilgrims from the Northern zone, while those from Borno and Adamawa zones will pay N8,327,125.59. Pilgrims from the Southern states will pay N8,784,085.59.   Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Chairman of NAHCON, explained that the fares were determined after extensive consultations to ensure…

Resounding Victories through Supportive Strength: Insights from Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu, PhD

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon   On January 19, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, resonated with spiritual energy as congregants joined together to welcome the new year imbued with divine promises.   The service was marked by the harmonious melodies of the adult choir, setting a tone of divine anticipation for Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s impactful sermon titled “Supportive Strength is a Gift from God.”   Rev. Idowu, renowned for his deep compassion and insightful teachings, built upon his ongoing sermon series “God Grant Us Strength…

Friday Sermon: America/California/Los Angeles Wildfires; A Great Message To The World! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful Praise belongs to Allah alone; peace and blessing on the last Prophet, his family and his Companions. Dear brothers and sisters! Allah the Most High says: “And we send not the signs except to warn, and to make people afraid (of destruction).” [Qur’an, 17: 59] Respected servants of Allah! The 2025 American/California/Los Angeles wildfires have been unprecedented in their scale and devastation, marking one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history. These fires have ravaged over 40,000…

NAHCON/State Boards Visit Service Providers for 2025 Hajj By Fatima Sanda Usara

Emporium Reporters

Top management of Nigeria’s Hajj industry yesterday 14th January 2024 toured offices of service providers in Makkah and Jeddah to guide their decision in choosing the best options for Nigerian pilgrims going for the 2025 Hajj. Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, along with his commissioners, selected board members, directors, and deputy directors. State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards were represented at the visit by its Forum leadership Malam Idris Ahmed Almakura, Alhaji Faruku Yaro Enabo, and Alhaji Abubakar Salihu plus a selected number…

MURIC dismisses Makinde’s Legal Threat against Oyo Kingmakers as Bluff

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticized Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for threatening legal action against the five kingmakers of Oyo town who opposed the appointment of Hakeem Owoade as the new Alaafin. The governor issued the warning on January 14, 2025, during the presentation of the staff of office to Owoade. MURIC, through its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the governor’s threat as “bluff” and “hocus pocus.” The organization released a statement on January 15, 2025, highlighted their concerns over the governor’s approach to the issue.…

Presidency approves Airlines for 2025 Hajj Operations as NAHCON signs MoU with Saudi Arabia

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Presidency has approved four airlines to manage the airlift of pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj. This was confirmed in a statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).   The approved airlines are Air Peace Limited, Fly-Nas, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Limited. These carriers were selected from a pool of 11 applicants by a 32-member Aviation Screening Committee, inaugurated by NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, on November 26, 2024. The committee included representatives…