society
Nigeria’s Conflict Is Not a Holy War — The Vatican Reminds the World
“Nigeria’s Conflict not a Holy War”, says Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin
_The Vatican’s call for nuance exposes how foreign lobbyists have turned faith into an instrument of politics._
By O’tega Ogra
*Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s remarks on Nigeria’s violence were calm and factual, yet they disrupted an entire industry of outrage. His insistence that the crisis is social, not religious, has revealed how global lobbying is reshaping Nigeria’s story for profit.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s recent comments on Nigeria’s violence did not make headlines because they were loud. They made them because they were true. At the Rome launch of Aid to the Church in Need’s 2025 Religious Freedom Report, the Vatican Secretary of State described the conflict tearing through Nigeria as a social crisis, not a holy war. He said extremist groups make no distinction between Christians and Muslims, and that many Muslims are themselves victims of the same violence. It was a simple statement, yet it challenged months of foreign storytelling that has cast Nigeria as a nation at war with its faiths.
Inside Nigeria, Parolin’s words resonated with those who live the consequences of the conflict. Reverend Joseph Hayab, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Northern Nigeria, said that the killings have long since crossed religious lines. “These terrorists moved beyond just killing Christians and started killing virtually everybody,” he said. “Mosques have also come under attack, and they kill Muslims who do not agree with them.”
From the Muslim community, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has repeatedly cautioned that there is no genocide against any group in Nigeria. He warned that careless language and imported labels could inflame tension and undo years of interfaith peacebuilding. Professor Khalid Aliyu, Secretary General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, has said the same that criminals should be treated as criminals, not as representatives of any faith. Together, they paint a picture more complex than the one exported abroad.
Marta Petrosillo, author of Aid to the Church in Need’s Religious Freedom Report whose report was used by some lobbyist to counter the Cardinal, later clarified that Parolin’s comments had been taken out of context. In her interview on EWTN, she said Cardinal Parolin’s speech was one of the strongest defences of religious freedom, and it also recognised the layered social and economic causes of Nigeria’s insecurity. The report itself recorded violations across faiths, noting that both Christians and Muslims who reject extremist ideology are being targeted.
That nuance, however, was quickly drowned out in Washington. For months, lobbyists tied to the self-styled Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile an affiliate of the proscribed IPOB began citing Nigeria as a country persecuting Christians. Public filings under the U.S. Department of Justice show that Moran Global Strategies is registered to represent that group. Its leader, Simon Ekpa, was convicted in Finland this year for terrorism-related offences linked to deadly attacks in Nigeria’s southeast mostly against christians. Yet, in Washington, the same network funds lobbying efforts under the banner of religious freedom and self-determination.
Documents filed under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act describe the firm’s mission as advocacy for human rights. Those words now appear almost verbatim in congressional briefings from US congressmen including Senator Ted Cruz of Texas who is said to have met with the group’s representatives, and press statements. The pattern is unmistakable: a proscribed group using paid lobbying to recast its armed campaign against Christians as a moral crusade for christians. By turning terrorism into advocacy, it becomes easier to attract sympathy, funding, and foreign political cover.
Independent data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project show that over seven thousand Nigerians were killed in violent incidents in the past year. That is about 319,000 deaths less than the number of those killed by gun violence in the US in 2025 alone. The dead in Nigeria include Christians, Muslims, and those of no faith. Most attacks were driven by local resource disputes, criminal gangs, Sahel terrorism and manipulation. To call that a “Christian genocide,” as some lobby groups like MGS do, is to erase the wider truth of shared suffering.
The Vatican’s message, far from political, was moral. It called for empathy without distortion. Nigerian faith leaders have made the same appeal. Across Plateau, Kaduna, and Niger States, Christian and Muslim groups continue joint peace initiatives, rarely noticed by the international press. Their work is slow and human, grounded in community rather than ideology.
Those who profit from inflamed narratives have no patience for that kind of truth. They rely on foreign outrage to raise funds and on simplistic headlines to sustain relevance. In that economy, suffering becomes strategy, and faith becomes a tool of influence.
Cardinal Parolin’s statement was not a denial of persecution. It was a defence of proportion. Every life lost in Nigeria, be they Christian, Muslim, or otherwise, carries the same value. To frame the entire crisis as the persecution of one faith is to trade truth for convenience and compassion for politics. Nigeria’s conflict was never a holy war. It is a human one. And until the world learns to see it that way, the merchants of distortion will keep finding buyers.
Turning Point: Dr. Chris Okafor Resumes with Fresh Fire of the Spirit
-Steps onto the Grace Nation Pulpit After a Month-Long Honeymoon Retreat with Renewed Supernatural Power
By Sunday Adeyemi
The much-anticipated February 1, 2026 “Turning Point” service of Grace Nation has come and gone, but its impact remains deeply etched in the hearts of Grace Nation citizens across the world. The significance of the day was unmistakable—it marked the official return of the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr. Chris Okafor, to active ministerial duty as the Set Man of the commission.
The date was particularly symbolic, as Dr. Okafor had taken close to one month away from the pulpit following his wedding late last year. The period served not only as a honeymoon but also as a season of rest, reflection, and intimate fellowship with God in preparation for a greater spiritual assignment ahead.
The atmosphere at Grace Nation was electric as the Generational Prophet and his wife were received with a heroic welcome, accompanied by prophetic praise, joyful dancing, and fervent prayers. It was a celebration of return, renewal, and readiness.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Chris Okafor declared that he had returned to fully pursue the mandate God entrusted to him—winning souls for the Kingdom of God. He issued a strong warning to the kingdom of darkness, stating that light and darkness cannot coexist. According to him, the season ahead would witness intensified spiritual engagement, as the Kingdom of God advances and the forces of darkness lose ground.
“This time,” the Generational Prophet affirmed, “it will be total displacement of darkness, as the light of God shines brighter than ever.”
The Message: Turning Point
Delivering a powerful sermon titled “Turning Point,” Dr. Okafor explained that a turning point is defined as a moment when a decisive and beneficial change occurs in a situation. He emphasized that such moments are often preceded by battles.
According to him, battles do not necessarily arise because one is doing wrong, but because God desires to reveal His power and teach vital lessons through them. Every genuine battle, he noted, carries divine involvement and purpose.
Addressing the question “Why must I fight a battle?” Dr. Okafor explained that individuals who carry extraordinary grace often encounter greater challenges. “When you carry what others do not carry,” he said, “the battles that come your way are usually bigger.”
Characteristics of a Turning Point
The Generational Prophet highlighted that when a person is firmly rooted in God, no storm can uproot them. A strong spiritual foundation ensures that no battle can shake one’s destiny. He explained that prayer does not eliminate battles, but preparation through prayer guarantees victory on the evil day.
“Battles push you into your turning point when you are rooted in the Spirit,” he stated, adding that a prayerful life is essential for sustained victory and elevation.
A Supernatural Service
The Turning Point service witnessed an extraordinary move of the Holy Spirit in a fresh dimension. Deliverance, healings, miracles, restoration, and diverse testimonies filled the atmosphere as worshippers encountered the power of God during the Sunday service.
In a related development, Dr. Chris Okafor officially commissioned the ultra-modern church restaurant, Fourthman Foodies, dedicating it to God for the benefit and use of Grace Nation citizens worldwide.
The February 1 service has since been described by many as a defining moment—one that signals a new spiritual season for Grace Nation Global. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B2Eh6B6wo/
Sunday Adeyemi is a Lagos-based journalist and society writer. He writes from Lagos.
Adron Homes Hails Ondo State at 50, Celebrates Legacy of Excellence
The Chairman, Board of Directors, Management, and staff of Adron Group have congratulated the Government and people of Ondo State on the celebration of its 50th anniversary, describing the milestone as a significant chapter in Nigeria’s federal history and a testament to visionary leadership, resilience, and purposeful development.
In a goodwill message issued to commemorate the Golden Jubilee, Adron Group noted that since its creation in 1976, Ondo State has consistently distinguished itself as a centre of honour, intellect, and enterprise. Fondly referred to as The Sunshine State, the state has produced generations of outstanding professionals, administrators, and national leaders whose contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.
According to the company, the strength of Ondo State lies not only in its rich cultural heritage and intellectual depth, but also in the values of integrity, diligence, and excellence that define its people. These qualities, Adron noted, have remained the bedrock of the state’s enduring relevance and national impact over the past five decades.
Adron Group further commended the state’s renewed drive in recent years towards infrastructure development, economic diversification, industrial growth, and youth empowerment, describing these initiatives as indicators of a forward-looking, inclusive development agenda anchored in sustainability and long-term prosperity.
“As a corporate organisation committed to nation-building and sustainable development, Adron Group recognises Ondo State as a strategic partner in progress,” the statement read. “We commend His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Executive Governor of Ondo State, and the leadership of the state at all levels for their dedication to public service and their commitment to the advancement of the people.”
As Ondo State marks its Golden Jubilee, Adron Group joined millions of well-wishers in celebrating a legacy of excellence, strength of character, and promise, while expressing optimism that the next fifty years will usher in greater milestones in economic vitality, social advancement, innovation, and enduring peace.
The company concluded by wishing the Government and people of Ondo State continued progress and prosperity, adding that the Sunshine State remains well-positioned to shine even brighter in the years ahead.
UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS ANNOUNCES HISTORIC SUCCESS:
Premiere of ATC Digital Currency Exchange System Test, Highlighting “Gold Standard” for Humanitarian Purposes*
The Attica Empire, under the distinguished leadership of Empress Nobilisa Prof Sriwan kingjun, Empress of Attica Empire, successfully conducted a groundbreaking premiere test of its ATC (Attica Coin) digital currency exchange system. The event brought together high-ranking leaders and representatives from various nations to witness a spectacular celebration of financial innovation.
### Key Highlights of the ATC Digital Currency Exchange System Test
– The test demonstrated the efficiency and robustness of the ATC digital financial infrastructure, marking a significant milestone for Atlantis United Kingdom.
– Participants who completed the Know Your Customer (KYC) process in accordance with international standards were able to fully exchange ATC coins, thereby strengthening global confidence among currency holders.
– The ATC digital currency is positioned as the world’s first digital asset anchored to the *“Gold Standard”*, with its value guaranteed and validated through gold under certification by the International Court of Justice.
– The primary mission of the ATC currency is to fund humanitarian projects and drive macro-level social development, aligning with the empire’s vision of sustainable global impact.
### Event Atmosphere & Leadership Vision
The premiere was attended by thousands of guests who celebrated in an atmosphere of friendship, featuring:
– A concert performed by leading musical bands.
– A lavish reception of food and drink showcasing the empire’s prosperity and readiness.
– *Emperor Solomon Winning*, ruler of the United Kingdom of Atlantis and a thought leader in future-oriented projects, was celebrated as the transformative force reshaping traditional finance into a future-oriented model.
– Emperor Winning emphasized that the ATC system inaugurates a new, sustainable, and humanitarian economic framework.
*Quotes from Leadership*
_”The ATC digital currency is not just a financial innovation; it is a beacon of hope for global humanitarian efforts. We are committed to leveraging this technology to uplift communities and foster sustainable development.”_
— *Empress Nobilisa Sriwan Kingjun*
_”With the ATC Gold Standard, we are setting a new paradigm in digital finance—one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the greater good.”_
— *Emperor Solomon Winning*
Attica Empire is the pioneering force behind the digital economy of the United Kingdom of Atlantis. It focuses on developing secure, asset-backed FinTech solutions to support global usage and worldwide humanitarian efforts.
The ATC Digitalcurrency (Attica Coin) is a gold-backed digital asset designed to:
1. Provide a transparent and efficient medium of exchange.
2. Fund humanitarian initiatives and social development programs.
3. Set a new benchmark for asset-backed cryptocurrencies worldwide.
The Attica Empire remains committed to advancing innovative financial systems that empower global humanitarian projects and foster sustainable economic growth. The success of the ATC digital currency exchange system test paves the way for broader adoption and integration into global financial ecosystems.
### Upcoming Initiatives
– *Global Roadshow:* Attica Empire will embark on a worldwide tour to introduce the ATC digital currency to key financial hubs and international organizations.
– *Humanitarian Partnerships:* Collaborations with NGOs and global institutions to channel ATC funds into pressing social development projects.
– *Technological Advancements:* Continuous enhancement of the ATC platform to ensure scalability, security, and user-centric features.
The Attica Empire invites global stakeholders to join this transformative journey toward a more equitable and sustainable financial future.
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