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Christian Genocide: US Congress Begins Full Investigation Into Killings In Nigeria

 

The United States House Subcommittee on Africa will on Thursday, November 20, 2025, hold a major public hearing to review President Donald Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

If upheld by the Senate, the designation could open the door for US sanctions against Nigerian officials accused of enabling religious persecution, and restrict certain categories of American assistance to the country.

The hearing, scheduled for 11:00 am at Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). It will also be streamed live for public viewing.

According to an invitation sighted by DAILY GAZETTE, senior State Department officials, Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, will testify on the first panel.

The second panel will include Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom Nina Shea, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi Diocese, and Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic & International Studies.

The session will examine the scale of religious violence in Nigeria and explore possible US policy responses, including targeted sanctions, humanitarian support, and security cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

On October 31, 2025, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a CPC, citing severe violations of religious freedom and alleging widespread persecution of Christians.

He warned that the US could withdraw aid, and if necessary, consider military action, should the Nigerian government fail to curb the killings.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will stop all aid immediately and may very well go into that now-disgraced country ‘guns-a-blazing,’” Trump declared on November 1.

President Bola Tinubu rejected the claims, calling them “a misrepresentation” of Nigeria’s religious situation.

In a statement on X, Tinubu insisted that Nigeria remained committed to constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.

Nigeria has witnessed repeated assaults on Christian communities, involving extremist groups, kidnappings, and destruction of worship centres.

Nigeria was originally designated a CPC in 2020 under Trump, before being removed from the list by President Joe Biden.

Bishop Anagbe, one of Thursday’s key witnesses, has repeatedly highlighted attacks on Christian communities in Benue State, describing widespread displacement, church burnings, and killings by Islamist extremists and militant Fulani herdsmen.

Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), speaking on Fox News, insisted that Congress is already conducting a thorough review of the alleged killings.

He accused the Nigerian government of downplaying the crisis.

He cited cases involving blasphemy laws, alleged discrimination, and what he described as disproportionate Christian casualties, claiming a “five-to-one” Christian-to-Muslim death ratio.

Moore also defended potential US involvement, saying, “We are a Christian nation… and we stand up for people being persecuted.”

He emphasised that sanctions and other diplomatic tools are on the table, alongside the President’s stated consideration of “military kinetic action.”

Pope Leo XIV has also expressed concern over recurring attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

In a post on X, the Pontiff lamented global persecution of Christians, naming Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and Bangladesh as major hotspots.

He prayed for victims of recent massacres in the Democratic Republic of Congo and called for collective work toward peace.

In contrast to Trump’s rhetoric, US Congressman Bill Huizenga said in an interview with Arise TV that actual military intervention in Nigeria is unlikely.

He however stressed that Trump wants the killings to stop and that sanctions may be more effective in blocking terrorist financing.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has sent Dr Abiodun Essiet, his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central), to Plateau State as part of efforts to foster peace.

Essiet met with Christian leaders, Miyetti Allah representatives, and youth groups across Bassa and Barkin Ladi LGAs.

A dispute between farmer David Toma and herders in the Gyel district of Jos South was also resolved, with the Miyetti Allah chairman paying N500,000 compensation after two cows were seized.

According to presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, all parties signed an agreement to maintain peace.

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2027: New PDP National Chairman Turaki Speaks On Joining Coalition

 

The newly elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), says the party is open to forming a broad opposition coalition as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in an interview monitored by DAILY GAZETTE after securing over 1,516 delegate votes at the PDP national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, Turaki said the party would adopt any strategy capable of strengthening democracy and addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

He dismissed fears that the country could drift into a one-party system but warned that democracy “is under threat.”

According to him, the PDP will work with political parties under IPAC, civil society groups, the international community, and the media “to ensure democracy is safeguarded.”

When asked whether the PDP would consider joining forces with other opposition parties to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, Turaki said:

“We will be open to all options, provided they strengthen democracy and are acceptable to Nigerians. What we want is to rescue Nigerians from the present situation. Whatever option becomes suitable at the right time will be considered.”

Reacting to Turaki’s remarks, National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, said his party would only collaborate with the PDP if it agrees that “it will not be business as usual.”

Abdullahi stressed that the ADC is not solely interested in winning power but in “resetting politics in Nigeria.”

“We’ll work with any political party willing to subscribe to the philosophy of the ADC. If cooperation is just to win power, we are not interested. But if the aim is to serve the people and change the old ways, then we are open to it,” he said.

He added that opposition parties must unite to “defeat and remove” the current government, which he accused of undermining the country’s progress.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), however, dismissed any concern over potential coalitions.

The party’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, told DAILY GAZETTE that Nigerians cannot return to what he labelled “years of PDP misrule.”

“We are not worried by whatever shenanigans they are planning. Nigerians know what they suffered under the PDP. No responsible voter will take us back to that era,” he said.

He added that the APC “wishes them good luck,” but insisted the electorate will reject the PDP again in 2027.

Turaki’s emergence followed a contentious build-up marked by conflicting court orders.

While two Federal High Court rulings in Abuja attempted to stop the convention, a High Court in Ibadan permitted it to proceed.

Backed by five of the PDP’s seven governors, the Ambassador Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee relied on the Ibadan ruling, saying it aligned with a prior Supreme Court judgment that bars judiciary interference in internal party matters.

Senator Lado Danmarke, the only other cleared aspirant, withdrew shortly before voting but still secured 275 votes.

Former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido had earlier obtained a court order halting the convention, alleging he was denied the opportunity to buy nomination forms.

Seventeen positions were filled unopposed, while the offices of youth leader and deputy national legal adviser were stepped down.

Delegates from 32 states attended.

The new NWC will be inaugurated on December 9, after the expiration of the Damagum-led tenure.

The PDP had earlier zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South and, by tradition, zoned the national chairmanship to the North.

Turaki later emerged the consensus choice of governors from the northern region.

A major flashpoint of the convention was the expulsion of several high-profile members, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature, Adeyemi Ajibade, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austine Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, George Turner and Chief Dan Orbih.

Governors; Ahmadu Fintiri and Caleb Mutfwang later distanced themselves from the expulsions.

Senator Anyanwu rejected his expulsion, insisting he remains the party’s national secretary until December 8.

He argued the Ibadan gathering was not a legitimate convention:

“My absence means nothing happened. I was supposed to read the annual report. What happened was simply Governor Makinde commissioning a motor park with some party leaders.”

He said stakeholders would soon meet to determine whether a fresh convention or caretaker committee is needed.

Also reacting, expelled National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Dan Orbih dismissed the convention as a “social gathering.”

“Those behind these expulsions are political undertakers. They have no respect for the party constitution or the law,” he said.

Orbih insisted Damagum had “removed himself” from PDP leadership by endorsing the exercise.

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Shock As US-Based Nigerian Truck Driver Found Dead In Texas

 

Grief has engulfed the Nigerian community in Texas following the death of Bode Ologan, a Nigerian truck driver based in Arlington, who was discovered lifeless inside his truck.

The incident first drew public attention on Sunday after a Facebook post on the Lagos Reporters page by Ibrahim Abolore appealed for help in identifying Ologan’s family.

The post, which included a photo of his driver’s licence, revealed that he had been found dead in Texas.

Further checks by DAILY GAZETTE confirmed that Ologan died on November 7, 2025.

Friends and associates have since launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for his funeral.

The fundraiser, titled “Help Bode Ologan’s Family in Their Grief,” was created by Omolade Adeduro.

Ologan was described as a father of three children, Semilore, Semilogo and Semilola, and someone who “lived a fulfilling life.”

As of Sunday, $4,717 had been raised from about 16 donors, with a target of $30,000 ahead of the planned burial on November 20.

Ologan, believed to be originally from Owo, Ondo State, has received an outpouring of tributes from friends, acquaintances and members of the Arlington community.

A Facebook user, Emem Akpabio, shared, “Just got notified that my very first client, and loving father of three whom I obtained sole custody of his kids for some 8 years ago, has passed away and was found in his truck somewhere in Texas.”

Another acquaintance, Josely Pueten, wrote, “He was one of our tenants here in Arlington. I never met him personally, but I’m deeply saddened by his passing.”

Similarly, Aboukia Fessibay commented, “Bode has gone too soon… May God be with his children and the rest of his family.”

On Instagram, Gbemisola Are noted, “May his soul rest in peace. Driving a truck is a very difficult and risky job.”

The tragedy adds to the growing list of painful losses involving Nigerians abroad.

Earlier in January, DAILY GAZETTE reported the death of Ross Ogbeinde, a Nigerian international student in the UK who collapsed and died on December 29, 2024, leading his family to seek public support for his burial.

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Police Deny Alleged Assassination Attempt On Naval Officer In Face-off With Wike, Label Report “False, Unverified”

 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that a serving naval officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, insisting that no such incident occurred.

Over the weekend, several blogs and social media posts circulated a story alleging that Yerima was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and travelling in two unmarked Hilux vans around 6:30 pm along the Kubwa Expressway.

According to the reports, the supposed chase continued to Gado Nasco Way, with Yerima said to have escaped through what was described as a “strategic manoeuvre.”

The claims sparked speculation that the incident was linked to Yerima’s recent confrontation with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land in the Gaduwa District.

However, in a statement released Sunday night, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, condemned the story as false, saying no such report was filed with the police.

“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima.”

“The command categorically states that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement read.

Adeh urged the public to disregard the claim and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating fear or tension.

She also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police division.

DAILY GAZETTE earlier reported that Yerima was involved in a heated exchange with Minister Wike on November 11 at a contested site in Gaduwa.

The land is said to belong to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).

Viral videos from the incident showed Yerima, who was on security duty, blocking the minister’s convoy from accessing the site.

Wike accused Gambo of illegal development and reprimanded Yerima for allegedly assaulting Federal Capital Development Authority officials deployed to stop construction.

The episode triggered widespread reactions, with critics faulting Yerima’s conduct and others, especially military veterans, defending the officer and demanding an apology from the minister.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, assured that no military personnel performing lawful duties would be sanctioned.

“We will always protect officers on lawful duty,” he said during preparations for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

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Heartbreak: Nigeria’s World Cup Hope Dashed As DR Congo Wins Play-Off On Penalties

 

Nigeria’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended after the Super Eagles were beaten by the DR Congo national team in a dramatic penalty shootout on Sunday.

The tightly contested African play-offs final, played in Rabat, Morocco, finished 1–1 after regulation and extra time.

Nigeria started brightly, taking the lead in the 3rd minute through Frank Onyeka, who struck early to put the Eagles ahead.

Despite pushing for a second goal, Nigeria failed to convert their chances, allowing DR Congo to grow into the game.

The Leopards equalised in the 32nd minute through Mechak Elia, restoring parity before halftime.

A major talking point emerged when Victor Osimhen did not return for the second half.

His replacement, Akor Adams of Sevilla, along with later substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Chidera Ejuke, and Simon Moses, could not turn the tide as DR Congo continued to dominate stretches of the match.

Nigeria held on through extra time, surviving a disallowed Congolese goal due to a foul on goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who also produced a crucial late save to push the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Nwabali saved two spot-kicks, but the contest went into sudden death.

Semi Ajayi’s penalty was saved, paving the way for Chancel Mbemba to score the decisive kick, giving DR Congo a 4–3 victory and sealing their place in the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March 2026.

Nigeria had earlier beaten Gabon 4–1 to reach this final stage, while DR Congo advanced after edging Cameroon.

With World Cup qualification now out of reach, the Super Eagles will shift focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Morocco next month.

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DR Congo Mine Bridge Collapse Kills At Least 32 Miners

 

A bridge collapsed at a cobalt mine in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Saturday, killing at least 32 informal miners, according to regional authorities.

The incident occurred at the Kalando mine in Lualaba province, roughly 42 kilometers (26 miles) southeast of the provincial capital, Kolwezi.

The bridge fell onto a flooded section of the mining site, causing miners to be trapped. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and officials fear the death toll may rise.

Roy Kaumba Mayonde, the provincial interior minister, said that despite a formal ban on accessing the site due to heavy rains and landslide risks, many “wildcat” miners forced their way into the quarry.

The bridge, built to cross the flooded area, gave way as miners rushed across, leading to the collapse.

A report from SAEMAPE, the government agency overseeing mining cooperatives, suggested that the presence of soldiers at the mine may have triggered panic among miners.

The report also highlighted ongoing disputes at the site between informal miners, a cooperative intended to manage operations, and legal operators with Chinese involvement.

Images from the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) showed rescuers digging out bodies, with at least 17 laid out near the site.

Arthur Kabulo, the CNDH provincial coordinator, said that more than 10,000 informal miners work at Kalando.

Authorities have suspended operations at the mine following the tragedy.

The DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, supplying over 70 percent of the global demand.

Cobalt is critical for batteries used in electric vehicles, laptops, and smartphones.

Despite its value, the country’s mining sector has long been plagued by unsafe working conditions, corruption, child labor concerns, and violent conflicts.

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Imo, Osun, Kano Lead As INEC Reports Over 2.3 Million New Voter Registrations

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday released the latest voter registration figures, showing that 2,316,232 Nigerians have completed registration nationwide.

The numbers vary widely across states, with Osun topping the list.

INEC noted that registration remains suspended in Anambra State until after the governorship election on November 8, 2025, in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022.

Consequently, Anambra’s figures are not included in this update.

According to the commission, the statistics represent completed online and physical registrations for Week 12 of the continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise.

Top-performing states:

Osun – 185,089

Imo – 143,386

Kano – 132,290

Sokoto – 123,320

Other notable registrations include Lagos (109,693), the Federal Capital Territory (106,855) and Borno (106,376).

States in the middle range include Kogi (91,573), Jigawa (88,209), Zamfara (84,268) and Katsina (80,425), while Rivers recorded 57,251, Benue 42,557 and Bayelsa 38,627.

Lower-ranking states in the latest figures include Ebonyi (28,310), Edo (27,130), Plateau (24,077), Taraba (17,803), Enugu (16,304), Ondo (16,012), Cross River (14,559), and Abia (12,297).

The CVR exercise, which began on August 18, 2025, is scheduled to continue until August 2026.

South-Western states, particularly Osun and Lagos, have consistently led in registration, while recent mobilisation efforts have boosted participation in northern states.

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Gov Otti Pays N20 Million Compensation To Victims Of Abia Billboard Collapse

 

The Abia State Government has disbursed over ₦20 million in compensation to victims of a billboard collapse that occurred in Aba in May 2025.

The incident at Salad Market claimed the life of a tricyclist and injured several other tricyclists and nearby shop owners.

Governor Alex Otti directed that the state take full responsibility for the medical expenses of the injured, while also instructing the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSAA) to audit all billboards in the state to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The compensation was paid to nine individuals through ABSAA.

The widow of the deceased tricyclist, Chioma Destiny, received ₦9.6 million, while other affected tricyclists received ₦1.6 million each, and shop owners received ₦500,000 each.

During the cheque presentation at Government House, Umuahia, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, Senior Special Assistant on Transportation, explained that the government worked closely with ABSAA and the billboard owners to ensure victims could return to their businesses.

The old tricycles damaged in the collapse were also returned to the owners.

Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko, Managing Director of ABSAA, highlighted that while the responsible parties accepted liability, the state advanced payments to the victims to avoid delays.

She emphasized that the compensation reflects the government’s commitment to residents’ welfare and accountability.

ABSAA has also commenced a full audit of high-rise billboards in Abia to prevent future accidents.

Among those compensated, the chairman of ASTOPU, Azubuike Victor, and widow Chioma Destiny expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for the support.

Destiny revealed she plans to invest the money in a business and use the proceeds for her children’s education.

Mrs. Onwubiko added that this initiative is part of a broader vision to improve safety, organisation, and aesthetics in the state’s public spaces, ensuring residents’ safety and confidence in outdoor structures.

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Herdsmen Killed My Husband While He Dredged Sand – Enugu Widow Speaks

 

Nkiruka Okeke, 27, a mother of four, recounts the harrowing day she lost her husband, Oluzuluike Okeke, who was stabbed to death by suspected herdsmen while working near a stream in Obuovia community, Enugu State.

Living in Onoli community, along the Enugu expressway, Nkiruka supports her family by selling okpa, a local delicacy.

Her husband, 33, earned a living through physically demanding work, dredging and packing sand from streams for sale.

“It all happened so suddenly,” Nkiruka recalls. On October 3, her husband left for work after preparing the children for school. Shortly afterward, a neighbor ran to her house, shouting that her husband had been stabbed by herdsmen.

She rushed to the hospital to find him alive but weak.

Oluzuluike managed to say only, “The herdsmen stabbed me in the chest,” before collapsing. He died before he could be transferred to the University Teaching Hospital.

Nkiruka describes her husband as peaceful and hardworking. He had no disputes, and the only wound was a stab to the chest.

 

None of his belongings were taken. After being stabbed, he had tried to reach a nearby roadside vendor for help, but his injuries were fatal.

The attack occurred around 1 pm near a stream used mainly for farm work and bathing, close to where people live.

Though others passed through the area, no one intervened or identified the attackers.

The couple has four young children: a girl, 8, and three boys aged 7, 4, and 3 years and 3 months. Nkiruka shares that coping has been incredibly difficult.

Her children cry and struggle with the loss, and she struggles to provide basic necessities like food, medicine, and school supplies.

Nkiruka also highlights ongoing harassment by herdsmen in the community.

They destroy crops and intimidate residents, forcing many to abandon farming. Her husband had continued dredging sand to sustain the family as farming became increasingly unsafe.

Despite help from neighbors and friends, support is limited. “I just pray that God will help me raise these children,” she says.

She hopes her children can still receive an education, fulfilling her husband’s dream for them.

“My greatest wish,” Nkiruka concludes, “is justice for my husband and protection for families like mine.”

“We are living in fear, and the government must act before more lives are lost. My husband only went out to work to provide for his family, he did not deserve to die this way.”

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Return To Father, Mother, Self: Ogilisi Igbo Calls On Ndigbo To Honor Sun, Moon, And Earth

 

Ogilisi Igbo, a prominent spiritual leader of the Igbo nation, has called on Ndi Igbo worldwide to return to the eternal truths of their ancestors.

He declared that life itself rests on both the cosmic trinity of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, and the biological trinity of Father, Mother, and Self.

He affirmed his identity as Ogilisi Igbo mara mma na Igbo, the Ogilisi Igbo who truly serves and benefits the people.

He urged a global revival of Ndi Igbo, encouraging them to rediscover and embrace their ancestral path to spiritual and cultural transcendence.

According to Ogilisi Igbo, the Igbo are the true children of the Most High God, and their ancestors understood the eternal mysteries of life long before foreign religions arrived.

Ogilisi Igbo explained that the ancestors revered the Sun (Anyanwu), the Moon (Onwa), and the Earth (Uwa/Ana) as an eternal trinity:

  • Sun (Anyanwu): Source of life and energy
  • Moon (Onwa): Governs fertility, childbirth, and the rhythm of creation
  • Earth (Uwa/Ana): Provides the human body, food, and shelter

This cosmic trinity, experienced daily, represents eternal truth. In Latin, it is referred to as Sol, Luna, Terra. Ogilisi Igbo emphasized that beliefs outside this visible trinity are misleading and false.

Ogilisi Igbo criticized the Christian doctrine of the “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” describing it as an abstract illusion.

He compared it to “selling your own house to live as a tenant in someone else’s home.”

Instead, he urged Ndi Igbo to reconnect with the truths of their ancestors, truths rooted in nature and direct communion with the universe.

Beyond the cosmic trinity, Ogilisi Igbo introduced the biological trinity of Father, Mother, and Self (Chi).

He called on Igbo families to honor their parents and themselves by placing their names and photographs in a sacred space at home, rather than venerating foreign saints.

True prayers, he explained, should be offered in the names of Father, Mother, and Self, followed by chanting the cosmic trinity: Sol-Luna-Terra or Anyanwu-Onwa-Uwa, seven times to receive the miracle of life.

Ogilisi Igbo’s message is both spiritual and cultural.

He urged Ndi Igbo, at home and in the diaspora, to recognize their divine heritage. By embracing the cosmic trinity, Sun, Moon and Earth, and the biological trinity of family, they can reclaim the wisdom and power of their ancestors.

He emphasized the practical and observable nature of these truths:

“Move from the known to the unknown. Without your father and mother, you cannot exist. Without the Sun, Moon, and Earth, you cannot exist.

Work with what you see and know to understand the mysteries of existence.

Believe in your parents and in the Sun, Moon, and Earth, they are the source of your being. Obey the laws of creation and honor these elements. Outside this, you are lost.”

Ogilisi Igbo explained that traditional practice, like orienting the body toward the Sun during burial, reflect ancient knowledge of the pathway back to the Sun.

Any doctrine that encourages disrespect for ancestors is dangerous, he said, because today’s living will one day be tomorrow’s ancestors.

He stated that understanding the cosmic and biological trinity is essential to grasping deeper spiritual truths.

“Any belief system that despises ancestors while claiming creation must first acknowledge the Sun, Moon, and Earth,” he said.

He further argued that every religion, from African traditional faiths to Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, relies fundamentally on these elements for its existence.

Ogilisi Igbo said his sermon is intended for the few who can truly comprehend this mystery.

He urged readers to share the message and warned that those who reject it remain in ignorance.

“The message is for the chosen few. Whoever reads this should share it. The doubters, the ndi efulefu, are the unfortunate majority,” he stated.

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