Category: Religion

FG Suspends Christian Pilgrimage to Israel Over Escalating Iran–Israel Conflict

Emporium Reporters

The Federal Government has announced the immediate suspension of all Christian pilgrimages to Israel following the worsening security situation in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. The decision was disclosed on Tuesday by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, during a press briefing in Lagos shortly after about 500 pilgrims returned to the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise. Adegbite explained that although the 2025 pilgrimage, which commenced on December 29,…

Rev Idowu Urges Congregation to Embrace ‘The Mandate’ of Compassion and Commitment

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon     On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the sanctuary was filled with reverence, hope, and spiritual intensity as worshippers gathered for the first service of the month under the theme, “The Mandate: Our Compassion and Commitment.” It was a moment of renewal, expectant hearts united in worship and anchored in the conviction of God’s unfailing faithfulness.   The service was officiated by the Senior Pastor and Wuse District Overseer, , whose message, titled “Be Involved,” drew from 9:36–38 and 28:19. He described the Christian calling as…

SANCTITY OF HAJJ AND UMRAH: A CALL FOR STRICT SCREENING BY NAHCON By Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade

Emporium Reporters

The recent public disclosure by Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, Shepherd in Charge of Genesis Global, concerning his visit to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah has generated serious concern within the Muslim community.   This issue is not about interfaith hostility or religious intolerance. It is about preserving the sanctity of Islamic rites clearly defined by the Qur’an and the Sunnah.   Hajj and Umrah are not cultural visits or spiritual tourism. They are exclusive acts of worship legislated for Muslims. Allah says in the Qur’an:   “O you who believe!…

NAHCON signs 2026 Hajj Airlift Pact, warns Airlines on Compliance, Timelines

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has signed the 2026 Hajj Airlift Agreement as part of preparations for the forthcoming pilgrimage, charged participating airlines to strictly adhere to operational standards, timelines, and safety requirements. Speaking at the signing ceremony, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ismail Yusuf Abba, described the agreement as a major milestone in the Commission’s readiness for the 2026 Hajj exercise. He stressed that airlift operations remain a critical component of Hajj arrangements and must be executed with professionalism, precision, and strong commitment. Abba commended participating…

MURIC warns against foreign pressure on Nigeria’s religious practices

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Gombe State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned against increasing foreign commentaries and subtle pressures regarding the operation of Shari’ah and other faith-based legal structures within Nigeria. In a statement signed by Dr. Usman Bakura, Chairman of MURIC Gombe, the organisation emphasized that Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by the 1999 Constitution, which guaranteed freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and provides for the establishment of Shari’ah Courts of Appeal where required. “MURIC wishes to clarify that Shari’ah, as practiced in Nigeria, applies primarily to…

Deeds To Earn The Mercy And Blessings Of Allah During The Month Of Ramadan! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise and thanks belong to Allah, and may the peace and blessings be upon the noblest of Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all of his companions. To proceed:   Dear brothers and sisters! With the mercy and Rahmah of Allah, the month of Ramadan is upon us once again. This great month is considered the “peak season” for a Muslim believer.   The abundant mercy, forgiveness, barakah and blessings from Allah during this…

Let The Tinubu’s Government Assist The Citizens To Observe Their Ramadan Happily! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise and thanks belong to Allah, and may the peace and blessings be upon the noblest of Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all of his companions. To proceed:   Dear brothers and sisters! Ramadan is a month of divine mercy, prompting governments to reflect this through compassion, reducing public hardship, and fostering charity. True leadership mirrors Prophetic mercy, seen when authorities ease burdens, echoing the Qur’anic command to show kindness and support. Generosity,…

Friday Sermon: Protect Your Wealth From Calamity Through Zakah! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise is due to Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. He has legislated for His servants the upright religion and made it a means for the well-being of both worldly life and faith. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muḥammad is His servant and His Messenger. May Allah send abundant peace and blessings upon him. To proceed:   Dear brothers…

Sultan declares Wednesday as first day of Ramadan 1447AH in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Sultanate Council has officially announced the commencement of the Ramadan fast following the confirmed sighting of the new moon across Nigeria. In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Council disclosed that reports from various moonsighting committees across the country confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Following the confirmation, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who also serve as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, accepted the…

NSCIA calls for Ramadan moon sighting, urges muslims to remain steadfast amid challenges

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged Muslims across the country to look out for the crescent moon signalling the commencement of Ramadan 1447 A.H. after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Council congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the approaching fasting season and called for spiritual preparedness as believers anticipate the holy month. The Council disclosed that the moon sighting exercise would be coordinated by the National Moon Sighting Committee in consultation with the National Space…