Religious Leaders: Unmasking the Tool of White Supremacy in African Contexts - Nigeria as Case study

Nigeria, often referred to as the "most religious country in the world," boasts a staggering number of churches across the nation. However, despite the proliferation of these religious institutions, the country continues to grapple with high crime rates and widespread political corruption. This raises questions about the role of churches in shaping the moral landscape of the nation and their influence on addressing societal challenges.

A study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2018 found that 46% of Nigerians attend church services at least once a week. Yet, the same country is plagued by rampant corruption, ranking 149 out of 180 countries on the 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index. Additionally, Nigeria faces alarming crime rates, with kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes remaining pervasive.

Some argue that churches have become overly focused on promoting prosperity theology and accumulating wealth, neglecting their responsibility to address the societal ills that plague the nation. With pastors living lavish lifestyles and amassing fortunes, it is reasonable to question whether these religious leaders are genuinely committed to advancing the well-being of their congregations and communities.

Moreover, churches in Nigeria have historically shied away from directly confronting political corruption, often focusing on spiritual matters while avoiding engagement in political discourse. However, as institutions with significant influence and reach, churches have the potential to serve as powerful platforms for addressing corruption and promoting good governance.

Here are some scriptures that can be relevant to the topic at hand:

Matthew 7:15-16 - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits."

Romans 16:17-18 - "I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people."

1 Timothy 6:3-5 - "If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain."

As Nigeria navigates its complex challenges, it is crucial for religious institutions to reflect on their role in shaping society and addressing its most pressing issues. By moving beyond a focus on individual prosperity and actively engaging with political and social challenges, churches can become catalysts for positive change and contribute to building a more just and equitable nation.

*I’m Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor otherwise known as Ultimate Equal, President One Love Foundation*

Sokoto State Government to MURIC: Remain apolitical, your accusations on deposition of Sultan untrue, baseless, biased, unfounded

The Sokoto State Government has rebuked the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) over a publication made by the body alleging a plan by the sttate government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto,  Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar. 

A statement signed by Abubakar Bawa who is the Press Secretary to the Sokoto state Governor said Sokoto State Government wondered how a responsible body like MURIC, claiming to be protecting the rights of the Muslims would descend so low and cheaply as to join hands with deluded mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate such a false and unsubstantiated story just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state. 

Full Statement: 

The attention of the Sokoto State Government has been drawn to a malicious publication credited to the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) alleging a plan by the sttate government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto,  Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar. 

The state government wondered how a responsible  body like MURIC, claiming to be protecting the rights of the Muslims would descend so low and cheaply as to join hands with deluded mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate such a false and unsubstantiated story just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state. 

We believe that MURIC is not the type that will be dancing to the tunes of enemies and mischief makers who are trying to take away the attention of the good people of Sokoto state and Nigerians on the transformative initiatives taking place in Sokoto State over the last one year. 

We also like to assure MURIC that the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state cherishes and respects the Sultanate Council long before MURIC was established. 

The Sultanate Council, which has a long standing historical importance is so reverred to all the people of Sokoto State, therefore we still hold the institution in very high regards and esteem. 

This is not the first time stories such as this  were fabricated to show that all is not well between the state government and the Sultanate Council, as some few months back we had a similar obnoxious story which the state government categorically condemned and denied in whole.

From the look of things, those nefarious  detractors and distracting enemies of progress have not relented in their failed efforts  to smear the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the Sultanate Council. 

MURIC should have cared to find out if there was ever any query, warning or any threatening documents served on the sultan by the state government. 

We equally like to remind MURIC that promoting Islamic affairs is the second item on the Ahmed Aliyu's nine-point Smart Agenda, therefore Islam means so much to the present administration, coupled with the fact that Sokoto being the Seat of the Caliphate, is a 100 per cent Muslim-dominated society.

It is on record that no administration in the history of Sokoto State has done to Islam what the present administration has done in just one year. This we say without any fear of contradictions. 

 

Therefore, for any one to think that the present administration could engage in acts or actions that could jeopardize the development of  Islam is not only unfair but unjustifiable. 

To put the records straight, we would like to tell the world that the relationship between the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration and the Sultanate Council under the leadership of our most respected monarch, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar has been very cordial. 

The present administration always consulted  with His Eminence, the Sultan on issues affecting the state, and his invaluable contributions and inputs are always respected and included in policy implementation.

 

On the issue of sacking and transfer of some District Heads in Sokoto State, MURIC should know that the affected District Heads were  accused of some unbecoming behaviours, such as land racketeering, aiding insecurity as well as insurbodination to the constituted authority.

In order to give them fair hearing the committee summoned all the affected District Heads, after which it came up with a whitepaper report, advising the government on what to do. And it was based on that and also in the public interest  that the state government acted in conformity with the recommendations made by the whitepaper committee. 

It is equally important for MURIC to note that nobody is above the law, therefore, the sacked District Heads are just reaping what they sow, and that the action taken by the Sokoto State Government was indisputably in the best public interest.

Abubakar Bawa

Press Secretary to 

Sokoto state Governor

25/06/2024

Tajikistan, a Muslim-majority country, banned hijab, public Eid celebrations

 

BREAKING:

Tajikistan, a Muslim-majority country, has banned the hijab and public Eid celebrations, declaring them foreign culture. pic.twitter.com/q2wn2iSfBY

— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) June 20, 2024

Nigerian govt declares Monday, Tuesday public holidays for Sallah celebration

The Federal Government has declared Monday 17th, and Tuesday 18th June 2024 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the declaration in a statement on Friday in Abuja on behalf of the Federal Government.

Religions and the plundering of Nigeria

By Bolaji O. Akinyemi.

Tinubu 

It is no longer news that the magnanimity of BAT doled out 90 billion naira to support Hajj Operations this year 2024. May I on behalf of the homeless and hungry Muslims who will not benefit from the fund say rankadede to Mr President, and on behalf of those who will benefit by association and strategic positioning say may your days be long on the throne for many more joyful Hajj to the holylands, insha Allah!

Sir, your determination to fight corruption is commendable,even though we are yet to see any meaningful results. Also is the examplary leadership of the Vice President who took a clue from you and transparently announced the amount you gave to the Muslim Community to support 2024 Hajj Operations. May such slip of tongue be the portion of all strategic officers; elected or appointed in your administration in the mighty name of Jesus.

Sir, may I on behalf of Christians plead with you to let us know how much you gave to the Christians in support of this year's pilgrimage. We had expected that by now the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Board, His Lordship Bishop STV Adegbite would have announced like the Vice President how much we were given. Sir, this becomes necessary for transparency and accountability. As we may need to advise his office on better use of the money for the much needed capacity building for displaced Christians from their ancestral homeland across our Northern axis.

Adegbite's attempt to structure Christianity after the pattern of Islam is no longer hidden. Christian pilgrimage will now take after the pattern of lesser and higher Hajj. While one serves Ramadan the other holds during Eid-el Kabir. Christian pilgrimage will now be twice a year, one for Easter and the other for Christmas I supposed. An Easter Pilgrimage according to him will take place in the month of June. The plundering of money allocated for pilgrimage is so paramount to him that the safety of Nigerian Christians is not put to consideration. Adegbite probably have prayed and the God of Israel "fighting" in Gaza has assured him that Nigerian Christians will be safe in Gaza.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has assured that Nigerian pilgrims will be safe in Israel.

He made this disclosure during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday; May 8, 2024.

“By the grace of God, Nigerian pilgrims will be safe in Israel,” Bishop Adegbite said.

“We will travel for the Easter Pilgrimage and we will be safe. It will be a journey for reawakening and rejuvenation, not a jamboree.” 

He added that the pilgrims will experience the glory of God by the end of the pilgrimage exercise.

The NCPC boss announced that the Easter pilgrimage exercise will commence in June, and preparations are in top gears for a hitch-free exercise.

He revealed that the Commission has approved a calendar of activities for its annual pilgrimage program, stating that pilgrimage is now more structured and no longer done haphazardly every month.

According to him, the Easter pilgrimage", (should I say lesser pilgrimage) "runs from April to July, while the main pilgrimage exercise" (higher) "begins from November and ends in February.

Bishop Adegbite condemned the ongoing carnage in Gaza, calling for an end to the war".

Must any Nigerian be led anywhere near Gaza, the place of his condemnation at this time? President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the only one who can speak about the safety of Nigerians outside Nigeria.

Adegbite further hinted; "The cost for the Easter pilgrimage exercise will be released next week after considering some variables. It is important that Adegbite declares how many billions the Commission has received, is it N90Billion or more; before announcing what it will cost to partake in the lesser and the higher Pilgrimages.

Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder. He’s also President Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener Apostolic Round Table. BoT Chairman, Project Victory Call Initiative, AKA PVC Naija. He is a strategic Communicator and the C.E.O, Masterbuilder Communications.

Email:[email protected]

Facebook: Bolaji Akinyemi.

X: Bolaji O Akinyemi

Instagram: bolajioakinyemi

Phone: +2348033041236

#2023Election: Shari’a centre rejects Tinubu-Shettima Muslim-Muslim ticket, says Nigerians should reject temptation of voting along religious line

As the 2023 General Elections in Nigeriais close by,  the Centre for the Promotion of Shari’a has rejected Muslim-Muslim ticket of any political party, calling on Nigerians to be committed to the core values of the leading faiths in Nigeria.

After a monumental and colossal failure of Major Gen Muhammadu Buhari led APC maladministration, there isn't any options favourable order than a Muslim Muslim ticket to enable the ruling party extend It's rulings beyond eight years.

Nigerians of all ages and works are totally tired of the pro terrorists and bandits civilian regime of the APC Leadership using religion as the last card to hold on to Power.

Sharia centre has also demonstrated that the APC tactics are not for Islam and not for Nigerians.

Speaking at a consultative meeting of Stakeholders of the Muslim Constituency in Northern Nigeria, the national coordinator, Centre for the Promotion of Shari’a, Aminu Inuwa Muhammad, said they are committed to the Islamic ideals of justice and fairness adding that Nigerians should reject the temptation of voting along religious line.

“It is also imperative to task all presidential candidates to commit themselves to meeting the aspirations of Nigerians by guaranteeing peace and security of the country, thereby ensuring prosperity and unity of the citizens.

The Centre for the Promotion of Shari’a is committed to the Islamic ideals of justice and fairness to all. Hence it implores all Nigerians to reaffirm their commitment to the core values of the leading faiths in Nigeria and reject all attempts to discriminate against any presidential ticket based on religious identity.

“Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, despite skepticism of a section of the international community, Nigeria has remained consistent in peaceful transfer of power especially in 2007 and 2015.

Nigerians have demonstrated their resilience and commitment in democracy. There have been serious threats to Nigeria’s corporate existence since the first military coup, the civil war and recent secessionists’ activities. Despite catastrophic predictions of a foreign-based organisation, the Nigerian State has survived.

“Like all previous transitions, the politicians have overheated the polity in preparation for 2023 elections. The Centre for the Promotion of Shari’a therefore decided to host a consultative meeting to dispassionately address these issues that are critical to the survival and peaceful co-existence of the country, and particularly as they affect the destiny of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria,” Muhammad said.

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#2023ELECTION; Islamic Society of Nigeria released a song for Mr. Peter Obi yesterday in Jos

This is coming just a day after Tinubu and the APC were openly rejected and stoned in the same Jos where he visited for campaigns. 

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IGT SEASON 3; REGISTRATION TO COMMENCE BY MIDDLE OF MAY, 2022

The management of Nigeria’s first Islamize music competition, Islam Got Talent has disclosed that it is set to begin registration of her 3rd annual competition by the mid of May 2022.

The Executive Director, IGTF, Mr. Ayanshola  Taofeek, stated this during the Walk Against Stigmatization for Islamize Musicians (WASIM 2022) declaration summit themed, ‘The Walk.’

According to him, there is a need to review Competition’s modes of operation while improving standards.

He said, “IGTF development has to be driven by the modes of operation because of our competitors, most of them will be seeking better treatment in every phase of this competition. And we need enough time to put things together.

“This is why we are taking our time to review our past actions and meditate over our next steps as registration will begin my third week in May so that we will have a more interesting competition fit for purpose rather than a competition fit for numbers.”

The founder, Islam Got Talent Foundation,  Ifeleye Ray , added that lack of potential sponsors and needed support  was inhibiting the foundation’s ability to tap into its digitalisation potential as far as the competition is concerned.

He said, “Sponsors and Support are tied to the competition and I think for us to get standard from every angle including our digitalisation, we need to review our standard and set a convenient date to ensure conveniences for our contestants too.

IFELEYE DECLARES WALK AGAINST STIGMATIZATION OF MUSIC IN ISLAM

Ifeleye

Founder of Islam Got Talent Foundation (IGTF) and Association of Nigeria Islamic Music Scholars (ANIMS) , on Friday, asked talented Muslims  to step on the “hatred”  conjured by some Muslims to eradicate arts in Islam.

Ifeleye, in his statement , condemned the longtime ambiguity relating to Music or arts in Islam especially in Nigeria.

The first OAP to broadcast Islamic music on media urged all talented Muslims affected by this criticism, concerned professional associations and leaders of religious sects to do the needful to help talented Muslims use their talent for the propagation of Islam.

IFELEYE said, “My fear is people with good heart (like you) ain't doing anything about it either. Talented Muslims like me seemed trapped in the middle of nowhere and almost going to lose it sooner than later. It's now 3years and one month that my team and I have began this journey trying to speak for voiceless but talented Muslims in our society

“We began broadcast majorly on Islamic Music on media while others were suggesting we should do something else since no support is coming from anywhere. We declined this  suggestion and went ahead to organize awards for our Muslim artists, Organize conferences, career talk, online and physical trainings, competitions and more……But, yield nothing or little.

The inventor of Nigeria’s first Islamize competition further said that “Islam is the origin of artistic civilization which includes music and I can prove it to the world! So why this hatred?  By now, we are taking this one more step to announce to the world that enough is enough!

“Let these haters divert their hate for Islamize Musicians towards people terrorizing, misleading or confusing Muslims using Islam as a shield.  Leave Islamize Musicians alone or support them to do right things with their talent.

"Ilé-Kéú and Brutality

 AS WHOLLY WRITTEN BY Akeem Alao Babatunde:

From time to time, I have observed that it seems Arabic schools established to teach Muslims the Arabic language and Islam, are associated with brutality. Though some learned Muslims have tried to erase the mindset about the hostile lifestyle at Arabic schools.

One thing the Alfas fail to acknowledge is that subjecting students to maltreatment under the guise of instilling discipline has forced and will continue to force millions of vibrant Muslim youth out of Islam to embrace Christianity.

Lamenting canning sessions at Ilé-Kéú, many of them feel comfortable practising Christianity because it dignifies humanity. Millions of Muslims, now pastors, including my relatives, have been lost to Christianity. Shame!

While sharing my ugly experiences at Ilé-Kéú, in my series titled "A Serialisation of the Indelible Memory of Life at Ilé Keu and Life After", I narrated how some of us students escaped similar brutality. When the hostility became unbearable and hopes seemed evaporated, we escaped and wandered in Lagos streets for years.

Even the Hadith of the Prophet sternly warns against brutality, "- عَنْ أَبِي بُرْدَةَ الْأَنْصَارِيِّ : أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ النبيَّ ﷺ يَقُولُ: لَا يُجْلَدُ فَوْقَ عَشَرَةِ أَسْوَاطٍ، إِلَّا فِي حَدٍّ مِنْ حُدُودِ اللَّهِ. مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ." “He should not be flogged for more than ten lashes except in one of the limits set by God.”

Islam never supports brutality. And that is why Muslims are usually encouraged to exhibit behaviour that helps promote the peace that Islam represents and preaches. Isn't it ironic a cleric that preaches peace could encourage his students to subject fellow students to brutality. In fact, the converse is truly the case.

Education, they say, illuminates the darkness. When things are going wrong, education comes in to right the wrongs. One of the significant roles western education plays in the life of every Muslim is to guide them in the right direction. This is the reason modern-day Muslims continue to preach that every Muslim gets western education.

I am an advocate of western education for Muslim boys and girls. It is a form of emancipation from the outlandish lifestyles many of them are gladly forced to live.

However, it surpassed my worst expectation that some of us Muslims are defending the brutality meted out to the students in the viral video on social media. They claim erroneously that the punishment was dispensed, following the instructions from the parents. Too bad. What a big mistake!

I am not surprised at all because I had once passed through the same inhuman, hostile system. As if born to suffer, some used to be tethered to a pole and some chained to a spot to prevent them from enjoying the freedom of movement.

In this 21st century, our Ile-keu should stop chasing Muslim children away. They should raise scholars and professionals. Their products causing unrest in society should serve as a deterrent."

What’s Special About Islamize Musicians Really?

YOU ASK?

Read to the End and you’ll SEE!!!

Everyday i celebrate Islamize Musicians Across the world

But before that

Something interesting happened yesterday

Firstly Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp were down for about 6 hours

For the first time in years

 

 

I missed communicating with Divine Messengers

 

 

It felt so distant

I wanted to send a message around 6pm and interact on *Lawujo Awon Musulumi Olorun* I couldnt 

I stared at my Whatsapp Over and Over again, I felt lonely for a bit 

But glad we are back

I know you have seen a billion ways to celebrate any Islamize Singers of your choice

I shared about *Many different Practicable ways to celebrate Islamize Musicians sometimes ago*

We deserved to celebrate Ourselves

*Talented*

 

*Educated*

 

*Adorable*

 

*Charming*

 

*Helpful*

 

*Encouraging*

 

*Responsible*

*Liberating*

 

 

It is such a good thing to be the pillar of Morals in the Society as well as in Islam

 

 

 

We uphold standards, Morals and Keep the religion lively

 

 

Our succinct way of breaking down complexities via music makes us sit at the top of the worlds profession

One of the reasons you need to be at your best as a musician.

 

 

When an Islamize Musician gets into any other profession

 

 

He succeeds more than anyone he or she meets there

 

 

A Musician naturally becomes a better leader, cause of same ability to blend power of rhythm under your personal control, make unique thematic content and tunes  that goes beyond ordinary.

 

 

 

No one has a moral expectation of a banker, engineer, or lawyer

 

 

In Fact they say Lawyers are Liars.

But an Islamize Musician is way beyond.

 

And everyone has a moral expectation of an Islamize Musician

 

 

Its an honor to be placed in such light

Glad to be not just a  Musician but an Islamize one.

A Life Changer.

A community shaper

A religious-culture influencer

 

 

It’s a deep sense of responsibility to know that

The Future of Islam Lies In Our Hands

 

It always been and will forever be

 

  

You are the best.

*You Should Know*:-

The doors to learning of  Rudiment of Music Opened, but the Shutdown of whatsapp didn’t allow me get the message to you

Just be ready.

It will happen tomorrow, in sha Allah.

*Ifeleye Ray Classislam* is my name.

Salam Alaekum.

Islam Got Talent Foundation Executives List for 2021/22

*1. Mr. Razaq Olamilekan - Ex- Officio 

*2. Mr. Olayinka  Ayanshola - Executive Directo

*3. Mr. Aremu Mudasheer - Assistant Executive Directo

*4. Mr. Yomi Quadri- Treasure

*5. Sister Yussuf Mariam - Welfar

*6. Sister Lawal Monsurat - Registra

*7. Sister Afolabi Modinat - Organizing Secretar

*8. Comrade Abiola - P. R. O 

*9. Mr. Adeyeye Gboyega- P.R.O 

*10. Dr. M. A . Bogunmbe - Special Advise

*11. Mr. Ismail Abdlateef- IGTF 1st Ambassado

*12. Sis. Sekinat Ajokeade - IGTF 2nd Ambassado

*13. Mr. Hassan Jamiu - IGTF 3rd Ambassado

*14. Mrs. Afolabi Mutiyat - Customers Care Agen

*15. Mr. Abidoye Tajudeen - Membe

May Allah support and guide us through our individual quota in the quest to make IGTF great.

Strictly Islamic laws: The taliban in Afghanistan have now confirmed to BBC world news

Women to wear hijab,

Stonings and amputations to continue,

Afghan President has now absconded,

All the girls in uni told to sit home,

All land borders now under Taliban control.

May God be with the people there.

There are huge lessons here for Nigeria.

For people who think that ideological and religious extremism is not such a big deal. Well, Afghanistan is a proof that so much can go wrong in a short time if people hold on to an ideology that is potentially destructive and retrograde.

This whole Afghanistan takeover by the Talibans happened after 20 years of American presence in Afghanistan.

The moment America started to withdraw, the Taliban takeover started and is now fully in force.

Why was it so easy?

Because you do NOT win an ideological war with bombs.

The West needs to know- and know now- you can NOT kill an ideology with guns and tanks or by military occupation.

You have to engage ideological war with ideological methods/strategies. Not with an imposition of your own views on the locals.

It has never worked. It never will.

And this is why it is very ridiculous that anybody thinks the Nigerian war against Boko Haram will be won strictly by bombs and guns.

Boko Haram, ISWAP or whatever you call them are ideological warriors. That means you can never win by conventional warfare.

We are in deep shit.

We as Nigerians must deal with our own warfare early on now with ideological strategies - otherwise we will wake up one day in our own version of Afghanistan. Or at least core Northern Nigeria may fall to these poisonous ideologies and ISWAP may easily become the Govt of the day.

There’s a reason the Nigerian Army is compromised. Some soldiers see these terrorists as their “brothers”. Why? Same religion. Same tribe.

How do you think it will be easy for someone to fight/kill someone who he deeply sees as his spiritual “brother” from the same tribe?

We have terrorists and terrorists sympathisers in Govt.

We have senators and cabinet ministers who strongly believe in these extremist ideologies.

How do you fight a “war” against criminals that your own government officials are sympathetic to and considers them as “brothers”?

I pray for Nigeria and I wish us the best. I pray for Afghanistan and I wish them well.

However as Nigerians observing global events, please do NOT think the events of the Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan is impossible” in Nigeria.

It’s only a matter of time.

If nothing is done.

So what can we do?

Ideological engagement.

The only way forward.

The people who breed this terrorists are usually the emirs, imaams, scholars and religious leaders.

Those are the people teaching these poisonous ideologies. Those are the people you need to engage and appeal to.

You can’t bomb all the emirs and religious scholars. You can’t kill all the imams and alfas

You have to reach out to these people - through the moderate sensible ones among them- and then intellectually engage them.

Remember: you can only kill people.

You can NOT kill ideology.

In conclusion:

We have a very long way to go.

We either sort out this nasty problem now in Nigeria- or wake up one day in Nigerianistan. A new country where Nigerian Talibans are in charge of government, speech and our daily lives.

The choice is ours to make.

God bless Nigeria.

Osun declares Monday public holiday to mark Islamic New Year

The Osun State Government in Nigeria has declared Monday, August 9, as a public holiday to commemorate the Islamic new year — Hijrah 1443 AH.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tajudeen Lawal, on Friday in Osogbo.

The governor of the state Mr. Gboyega Oyetola enjoined both Muslims and people of other faith and religions to use the holiday to pray for the growth and development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Hijrah is the first day in the Islamic New Year Calendar.

Source: NAN

IGTF SLATES NEW DATES FOR ISLAM GOT TALENT SEASON 2

Islam Got Talent Foundation  (IGTF) on Thursday 29th July, 2021 announced the postponement  of Islam Got Talent Season 2 and made some technical changes to the slated programme but claimed it is all to ensure things are well prepared for.

According to the statement released by the management, there was a meeting that lasted two days among IGTF executives to decide how the event will retain its leadership position in Islamic Talent hunt search. The statement stated thus:-

"In reference to suggestions, advise, comments made at IGTF TEAM Meeting held on Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd July, 2021, we hereby like to publicize our conclusions as stated thus:

1) That Islam Got Talent season2 Talent Hunt activities will be postponed to ensure proper preparations and registration exercises. Therefore here are the new dates:

New Registration deadline:- Friday 20th August, 2021

New Date for Grouping Contestants:- Friday 6th August, 2021

New Date for the Commencement of IGT SEASON2 (Group Stage):- Friday 13th -27th  August, 2021

New IGT LIVE CONCERT SEASON 2 Final Date:- Saturday 18th, Sept. 2021.

2) That event will be once in a week instead of 3times earlier declared and will be from 10am-12pm every Fridays at group level."

3)That registration fee to be deposited into IGTF's account with following details:- 

Bank Name - Sterling Bank 

Account Number - 0501888452

Account Name - Islam Got Talent" 

The founder of IGTF, Ifeleye Ray (Classislam) acknowledged that such postponement might inconvenient contestants and others involved but still assured it is for the best and seek public cooperation over the activities of the Organization.

PLACING THE WEARING OF HIJAB AHEAD OF QUALITY EDUCATION

Rahman Razaq

Religion has always been a tool manipulated by the elites of Nigeria to keep the poor and unenlightened in a perpetual state of misery.

Unfortunately, Nigeria’s brand of Islam is always the pawn on the chessboard.

Kwara State is on the news. First was Osun.

For the records, multibillionaire governor of Kwara, Rahman Abdulrazaq is not an active stakeholder in the public school system in Kwara State or Nigeria.

His family own *REGENT SCHOOLS, MAITAMA, ABUJA* where fees are charged in *TENS OF MILLIONS* annually and *EXPATRIATE TEACHERS* are camped in luxurious staff quarters inside the school.

You know what?

Dirty issues like *HIJAB* isn’t discussed there because *HE OWNS A STAKE*.

In fact, in His own school, what they spend time debating is which country in Europe, Asia and North America to fly students to on excursion and which extra skills class each pupils should enroll in - ballet dancing, music, piano, swimming, tech development e.t.c.

But alas!

He becomes governor and he’s presiding over a cabinet where a *HEADTIE* called *HIJAB* is a topic in schools where there are no books, electricity, toilets, chairs or even proper security.

To get away with this facade, as usual, they tie it to Islam and the Koran.

But his own kids are in Maitama being taught by Indian, British and Canadian teachers in His own school.

Shame on Kwara State!

Shame on Kwara people who are silent in the face of this violent defilement of the psychology of Kwara children by very satanic men pretending to be defenders of religion.

He who has senses should see through the wickedness of governors like Rahman Razaq.

TIP OF AN ICEBERG: "ISLAM GOT TALENT IS A LIFETIME PROJECT”- Classislam

Ifeleye Rahman Ayodeji also known as Classislam is an Artist, Ethnomusicologist, Educator, Humanitarian and a popular OAP who introduced Islamic music programme editions on radio has attributed his newly invented talent hunt event (Islam Got Talent) to a lifetime project which its first season will be a tip of the iceberg.

In his response to our correspondent’s interview in Ibadan, Ifeleye stated clearly that “ Islam Got Talent” has come to establish a unique trend in the Yoruba Islamic and Islamize musical categories which will encourage and sustain religious standardized music especially from the southwest of Nigeria.

Despite the commencement of contestants’ application forms in six cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Oshogbo, Ilorin, Abeokuta and Akure which the turnout has been worthwhile and very appreciated, he emphasized that forms closure  by Friday November 27th, year 2020 across the affected states remain the same.

 He further noted that the recent challenges encountered in the process of writing this lifetime history is expected but not enough to dwindle the vision of the big event which will be coming up by Tuesday December 1st - Sunday 20th year 2020.

The true innovator of Yoruba Classical Islamic Music connected the challenges facing Islam Got Talent Season 1 to the highest level of ambiguities surrounding music in Islam which he said “according to latest research is one of the factors militating against the development and uprising of young Islamize musicians in Yoruba land”. He now urged concerned Islamic leaders of various organizations to embrace and support this new concept that was set out with the main priority to encourage mainstay youthful participation in Islam. 

He reminisced that his love for Islamic music since 2003 and the cooperation of Muslims across Yoruba states will continue to be the backbone for IGT’s success in subsequent events. He also used the avenue to urge all upcoming Islamic musicians to obtain and submit forms at all Ally centres nearest to them, also assured that there will not be room for misconduct or cheat associated with judging  of contestants in the event.

“ WE ARE PREPARED TO HOST ALL UPCOMING ISLAMIZE ARTISTS”- IGT Coordinators 

Few months after the founding of first of its kind Islamic music talent hunt, the Coordinators of “Islam Got Talent Season1” in six states of the federation re-assured our correspondent that they are fully prepared and ready to host all contestants without manipulating the result and maintaining a world class atmosphere for such event.

It will be recalled that admission forms for all contestants will close by Friday November 27th, year 2020 across six Yoruba cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Oshogbo, Ilorin, Abeokuta and Akure while event will commence by Tuesday December 1st - Sunday 20th year 2020.

 In his response to our correspondent on a telephone conversation, Mr. Gafar also known as Bigfydurt who is the Head of IGT Coordinators and Lagos Coordinator explained  that “ Islam Got Talent Season 1” is organized to uplift young Islamize musicians based on merit policy. He emphatically stated that no below average performance will get pass the audition or the group stage.

In another live telecast with our correspondent, the Coordinator of IGT in Ilorin, Rotaract Hajia Faosiat Hassan claimed all preparation is put in place to search vividly for Judges who are not just Star-Artists but understand the basic way to comprehend and judge a performance based on merit and  without favouritism.

Alhaji Atere of Ondo State said it has not been an easy task putting all requirements to stage the competition in Akure especially considering the level of ambiguities surrounding Islamic music. But finally added that all hands are on deck to ensure the event is beyond imagination and have a lasting memory for all contestants. 

Mr. Aremu also known as Kaakaki Anobi who is in charge of Ogun state noted that that the founder of the programme will not settle for anything less than qualitative officiating and coordination which he and the rest of the coordinators around IGT states are capable of producing. 

Islam Got Talent Season1  has two categories for all contestants which are Solo and Band performance with the aim of picking the First, Second and Third winner from each categories.

Turkey's Erdogan converts another former church into mosque

A month after the former cathedral Hagia Sophia was converted from a museum into a mosque, another Istanbul church-museum, renowned for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics, will undergo the same transformation.

Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, ordered Friday that the 700-year-old Chora Church -- currently the Kariye Museum -- be turned into a fully functioning mosque.

The building’s history mirrors that of the famous former Byzantine cathedral Hagia Sophia.

Holy Savior in Chora is a 4th-century Greek Orthodox church whose structure was originally part of a monastery in Byzantine Constantinople.

The church’s current form, instead, dates from the early 14th century. It is highly valued for its masterful mosaics and frescoes.

After the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the church was taken for Muslim worship, and the wall paintings and mosaics thinly covered with dye and lime.

In 1945, the secular Turkish republic declared the building a national monument, and extensive restoration and conservation work was carried out on the former church’s artworks before it opened as a museum in 1958.

Like Hagia Sophia, the building is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In November 2019, Turkey’s top administrative court, the Council of State, ruled the structure should return to use as a mosque, on the basis that the museum was unlawful for violating the Ottoman declaration that the building be used for Muslim worship.

This ruling was used as precedent for the court’s controversial July decision to convert the former cathedral Hagia Sophia from a museum back into a mosque.

Erdoğan ordered Aug. 21 that Chora Church, a much-visited site in the Fatih district of Istanbul, be turned into a mosque and opened for Muslim worship.

Other church-museums in Turkey, including less notable Hagia Sophias in the towns of İznik and Trabzon, have also been converted back into mosques in recent years.

Historian Fabrice Monnier told French newspaper Le Figaro that he believed the situation with Chora Church was different from that of other mosque reconversions, because of the size of its paintings and mosaics.

“Its beautiful mosaics and frescoes cover almost all the church’s walls and domes,” he said. “It would be hard to imagine it being returned into a mosque without totally covering them over.”

The Hagia Sophia and Chora decisions are thought to be an effort by Erdoğan to appeal to Muslim voters after the president’s party, AK, lost the Istanbul mayoral election in 2019.

By Hannah Brockhaus