Religion
Tinubu gov’t has ended persecution of Northern Christians – CAN chair

Published
3 weeks agoon
By
Ekwutos Blog
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North, Rev. Yakubu Pam, has stated that Christians in northern Nigeria are experiencing improved conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Pam noted that incidents of Christian persecution in the region have declined since Tinubu assumed office in 2023. His remarks come just days after he commended the administration for promoting inclusive governance.
Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Pam acknowledged that while Christian persecution has not completely ended, its frequency has reduced significantly.
He highlighted specific improvements, including a decrease in discrimination against Christians seeking to purchase land for church buildings and a reduction in the forced conversion and marriage of young Christian girls.
“There’s still persecution of Christians going on. It is relatively better under this administration, but it is still ongoing. I’m not saying it has stopped, but it’s much better,” Pam said.
The CAN chairman reiterated these concerns at a press conference in Kaduna, where he previously spoke about challenges such as land restrictions for church construction and cases of forced marriages and conversions.
Despite his initial reservations about Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, Pam praised the president for showing “reasonable inclusiveness” in governance.
Speaking after a meeting of the Northern CAN National Executive Committee (NEC) on Saturday, January 25, he emphasized the importance of representation.
“For me, the most important thing is an inclusive government. Even with the Muslim-Muslim ticket, we have seen reasonable inclusiveness,” he said.
However, he maintained that Northern Christians would like to be considered for the vice-presidential position in 2027 if Tinubu decides to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima.

You may like
Niger Delta stakeholders slam Senator Natasha over outburst against Akpabio
U.S continues foreign aid despite suspension of agency – Marco Rubio
Atiku meets El-Rufai after consulting Obasanjo, IBB (VIDEO)
DSS finally grants Nnamdi Kanu access to lawyer, family, Abia lawmaker
Imo Assembly advocates 14 working days paternity leave for public, civil servants
US continues to provide foreign aid after USAID freeze
Religion
Prophet Jeremiah, Odumeje, others practice juju – Fr Kelvin exposes Nigerian churches

Published
16 hours agoon
February 21, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
A Catholic missionary priest working in Gambia, Rev Fr Kelvin Ugwu, has said that the majority of people who visit native doctors or believe in ‘juju’ are the same ones found in churches every Sunday.
The priest stated that this explains why many juju practices and beliefs are transported from juju shrines straight to the churches.
In a post on his Facebook page on Friday, Ugwu claimed that more than 90% of everything Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin does, including the sale of water, oil, etc., are juju practices.
He also stated that taking a picture of someone one wants to marry to Shiloh and placing it on the altar so that the person will marry them by “fire by force” is a juju practice.
Listing other forms of juju practices found in various Nigerian churches, the priest said:
“When I wrote about juju and the so-called native doctors scamming people with what we all know does not work, those who read me got my point. But I had a lot of juju defenders and apologists who, in their bid to water down my point, decided to remind me of the activities of pastors, priests, and prophets and what we call miracles.
“One thing I discovered was that the majority of the people who visit native doctors or believe in juju are the same people we see in churches every Sunday.
So, this explains why you will see lots of juju practices and beliefs transported from juju shrines straight to the churches.
For example:
“Taking a picture of the person you want to marry to Shiloh and placing it on the altar so that they will marry you by fire by force is a juju practice.
“Odumeje emptying seven bottles of Goya oil at every corner of your newly built house to dedicate it and drive away evil spirits is a juju practice.
“Miracle bank alerts, where money with no trace or giver simply enters your account because you shouted the loudest ‘Amen’ in church, is a juju practice.
“Praying for your neighbor to die by fire because you don’t like them or are angry about their progress is a juju practice.
“More than 90% of everything Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin does, including the sale of water, oil, etc., are juju practices.
Catholics venerating images to the point that they have turned those images into objects of worship is a juju practice.
“All those silly talks during harvest and bazaar, where in a bid to get money, they tell you to buy an apple for 100k because it will give you the fruit of the womb, or buy a candle for 50k because it will make you see riches, or buy a handkerchief for 30k because it will wipe your face and make you see your future husband quicker, are all juju practices.
“Christianity is not the problem; your juju mindset is. This is why the version of Christianity most of you practice in Africa is an upgraded version of juju and witchcraft.
“So, I say it again. . . Juju does not work. What works in juju is fear. If it works, stop speaking grammar—just disappear and appear at my location. Or, from where you are, command something in my body to go missing. Mtchwwww!”
https://www.facebook.com/100047214812954/posts/1143424190574731/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
Religion
I am a multi-religious person: Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi

Published
2 days agoon
February 19, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
New Delhi [India], February 19 (ANI): Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently opened up about his multi-religious upbringing and illustrious military career.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, he shared his thoughts on being multi-religious, citing his exposure to diverse faiths during his time in the 18th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.
This regiment uniquely had a mosque, gurdwara, Durga Mata temple, and Mahakal temple all under one roof, fostering an environment of interfaith harmony.
When asked about his recent visit to Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Army Chief said, “I am multi-religious. I have been commissioned into the 18th Battalion, the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, where you have a Masjid, Gurdwara, Durga Mata, and Mahakal, all under one roof.”
General Dwivedi recounted how his subedar major, a Maulvi, would perform Durga Mata Puja without any issues, demonstrating the regiment’s spirit of mutual respect. When asked about his own spiritual journey, Gen Dwivedi said after taking over, he first sought blessings from his unit, Bhakti Dhaam, where he received blessings from his Maulvi, Pandit, and Granthi.
“My subedar major, who may be a Maulvi, is able to do Durga Mata Puja, which is not an issue at all. Now, if you see, have I visited any Mashoor (famous) place, Golden Temple or Mahakaal or Vaishno Devi, in the initial stages? No. The first thing I went to was to my unit, Bhakti Dham. And once I got the blessings there from my Maulvi, my Pandit, my Granthi, thereafter I started going to all the places,” said the Army Chief.
General Dwivedi recalled how his father would tell him stories of freedom fighters and World War II heroes, inspiring him to join the army.
In a candid revelation, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi shared the story of how his childhood experiences shaped his decision to join the Indian Army.
One particular memory that stood out was when his uncle would bring home copies with photographs of soldiers. These images sparked a sense of curiosity and admiration in young Dwivedi. As he grew older, he began to explore various career options, considering medicine and engineering, just like his brothers.
However, the allure of the Army ultimately won him over. General Dwivedi recalled how he initially wanted to become an intelligence officer, but after gaining more exposure, he decided to join the Army first and then explore opportunities in intelligence.
“I remember my uncle when he used to ask him, So the copy which he used to bring used to have a soldier’s photo. Okay. My father used to always give me the story of freedom fighters or the story of World War II, where we won Vera, who escaped as a pilot. I remember. So all these stories I used to keep reading. And my one brother was a doctor. So I said, no, this is closed. My second brother was an engineer. I said, this is closed. Okay. So third was the army, which was there. I wanted to become an intelligence officer if I can say that. But when I went to school and saw everything, then I said, okay, let me join the Army first, thereafter look at intelligence,” the Army chief said.
He also shared his experience of flying the LCA with Air Marshal AP Singh during Aero India 2025, praising Singh’s leadership and straightforward qualities. He recalled that Air Marshal Singh was a standout individual even during their National Defence Academy (NDA) days, earning the respect and admiration of his peers.
In a nostalgic reflection, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reminisced about his school days, when he and his peers would admire all three services – the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He shared that it was simply fate that led him to join the Army.
“See, when we were in school, we used to look at all three services. We used to love all three, if I can say that. It just so happened that I came into the army. Let me tell you about AP first. As far as AP is concerned, from NDA days, he is a gold torch. And he is, everybody has a natural liking towards him. He is a man who can collect people together. He is a natural leader. And he takes ownership of a crowd. But he is a very straightforward man. So, I say in the lighter moment, he should have been in the infantry,” said the Army Chief.
The Army Chief highlighted Air Marshal Singh’s ability to bring people together, his natural leadership skills, and his willingness to take ownership of responsibilities. General Dwivedi jokingly added that Air Marshal Singh’s straightforward nature and team-bonding skills would have made him an excellent fit for the infantry.
“He’s so straightforward. And such a team-bonding man, he should have been infantry,” he added.
This lighthearted exchange offers a glimpse into the camaraderie and mutual respect shared between General Dwivedi and Air Marshal Singh, showcasing the strong bonds forged during their formative years at the NDA.
The Army Chief’s comments offer a glimpse into his personal life and military career, highlighting the importance of respecting all religions and the value of teamwork and leadership.
As the 30th Chief of the Army Staff, he brings a wealth of experience, having served in various roles, including Northern Army Commander and Director General of Infantry. (ANI)
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Religion
UMC Nigeria will resist attempts to erase its legacy – Bishop

Published
3 days agoon
February 19, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
The leadership of the United Methodist Church, UMC, in Nigeria has called on the international Christian community and other stakeholders to intervene in the ongoing fracas between them and the breakaway faction of the church, the Global Methodist Church, GMC.
Reacting to the recent attack on the Bamyam Theological Seminary in Bambur, Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, UMC emphasized the need for justice, hence the urgent call for the international Christian community to wade in.
In a statement signed and made available to journalists in Jalingo on Wednesday by the church’s bishop, Ande I. Emmanuel, UMC in Nigeria vowed to resist any efforts to erase its presence from the country.
The church also criticized the breakaway faction, which, according to them, is vehemently working around the clock to seize UMC properties despite having already separated from the denomination.
“UMC leaders characterized these actions as being driven by greed, division, and lawlessness rather than a genuine theological divergence,” Emmanuel said.
Describing the attack—which they said involved the vandalization of UMC landmarks, signposts, and logos at the seminary chapel—as an attempt to erase the church’s identity and heritage, they vowed to protect the legacy of the church in Nigeria.
“We will not allow the legacy of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria to be destroyed by those who seek to rewrite history through violence,” the statement read.
Linking the incident to a series of violent acts allegedly orchestrated by the GMC, they cited the “illegal occupation of UMC properties, the December 15th killing of 27-year-old Masoyi and two infants in Munga Dosso, and the burning of a UMC worship center in Keru, Benue District.”
The statement also accused the GMC of carrying out a coordinated campaign of intimidation, violence, and forceful takeover of UMC properties in Nigeria.
Church officials expressed frustration over the alleged lack of response from GMC bishops Scott Jones and John Peña, despite repeated attempts to initiate dialogue and prevent further violence. “Their silence is not just negligence; it signals complicity,” the statement read.
UMC leaders alleged that the GMC is using threats and violence to pressure United Methodist members into joining their denomination rather than engaging in peaceful discourse.
“Despite the attacks, we urge our members to remain calm and not be intimidated. Our faith is built on truth and justice, not on fear or force,” the church stated, vowing to resist any attempt to erase its presence in Nigeria.
At the time of filing this report, the GMC had yet to issue a statement on the crisis, which our reporter learned occurred on Monday.

ICPC arraigns ministry staff for alleged money laundering

Niger Delta stakeholders slam Senator Natasha over outburst against Akpabio

Tinubu approves relocation of 29 prisons
Trending
- Politics1 year ago
Nigerian Senate passes Bill seeking the establishment of the South East Development Commission.
- Business1 year ago
Inflation hits record high of 29.90% on naira weakness
- Trending4 months ago
NYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
- Politics9 months ago
BREAKING: Federal Gov’t Offers To Pay Above N60,000, Reaches Agreement With Labour
- Business4 months ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
- Politics4 months ago
Mexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
- Entertainment4 months ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
- Entertainment4 months ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital