LaPromotif

By Afolabi Olajuwon On April 27, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters in Abuja, became a vibrant hub of spiritual rejuvenation as believers gathered to reflect on the profound theme, "At The Cross: Condemnation Turned To Conquest." Central to this gathering was an inspiring message delivered by Bro. Tito Balosibina, visiting from Gwarimpa Zone, who illuminated the concept of "Fruitfulness" within the Christian journey. Understanding "Fruitfulness" Through Scripture Anchored in John 15:1-5, Bro. Balosibina exhorted the congregants on the necessity of staying rooted in Christ to achieve true fruitfulness. This passage, often described as the allegory of the vine and the branches, emphasizes an unbroken communion with Jesus as a prerequisite for bearing fruit. "Remain in me, as I also remain in you," Jesus declares, offering assurance that through divine connection, believers will experience a transfor...

THE coffin of late Pope Francis is being carried by pallbearers into Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP) Pope Francis was laid to rest in Rome Saturday after a Vatican funeral for the “pope among the people” attended by hundreds of thousands of mourners and world leaders including US President Donald Trump. Around 400,000 people packed St Peter’s Square and lined the streets in Rome to say goodbye to the Argentine pontiff, a champion of the poor who had led the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics since 2013. After a solemn funeral in front of hushed crowds, Francis’s plain wooden coffin — a testament to a life of humility — was driven slowly to Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore church, where he will be interred in a private ceremony. Guatemalan Maria Vicente, 52, holding a rosary in her hands, cried as she watched the coffin being carried into Santa Maria Maggiore, the pope’s favourite Rome church. “It made me very sad. It’s touching, that he l...

By Afolabi Olajuwon Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has distinguished himself as a prominent advocate for global peace and social justice. His approach echoes across religious and national boundaries, prompting dialogue and fostering reconciliation in a world often marred by division and conflict. In my findings and research, come with me to analyse Pope Francis's diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, highlighting notable initiatives and outcomes that exemplify his commitment to fostering peace. Pope Francis's papacy is marked by a dedication to humility and outreach, principles rooted in his early life in Argentina. From the outset, his choice of the name "Francis," in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, signaled a commitment to peace, simplicity, and solidarity with the poor. This message has been central to his peacemaking efforts, underscoring the interconnectedness of peace, social justice, and environmental stewardship. One of Pope Franc...

By Afolabi Olajuwon Theme: At The Cross: Condemnation Turned To Conquest Topic: "Obtainable Victories for Us!" Text: Colossians 2:14-15  Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025  On April 20, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit as Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu delivered a life-changing sermon titled "Obtainable Victories for Us!" The message, anchored in the theme "At The Cross: Condemnation Turned To Conquest," explored the transformative power of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Join me to go through, as I provide a detailed analysis of the sermon, its theological underpinnings, and its practical applications for believers today.  Theological Foundation: The Cross as the Turning Point  Rev. Dr. Idowu began by emphasizing that the cross, which was once a symbol of condemnation, became the ultimate symbol of conquest through Christ’s sacrifice. The apostle P...

THE Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, says the challenges posed by the tariffs which the U.S. recently imposed on global trade will bolster China-Nigeria economic and trade ties. Yu, who made this known during a news conference on Friday, in Abuja, said the new development was an opportunity to bolster China-Nigeria partnership amid the challenges it posed. He emphasised that the U.S. tariff controversy had the potential to engender mutual cooperation between the two countries, describing it as a “crisis with opportunities.” The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the news conference was held to address the prevailing China-U.S. economic, trade and tariff issues. The ambassador underscored the significance of upholding a free and open multilateral trading system, describing it as crucial for driving African countries’ development and revitalisation initiatives. “African nations are committed to development and revitalisation, which requires a free, open multilateral tradi...

AN ambassador represents more than the government that sends him; he embodies the soul of a nation – its dignity, its priorities, and its honour. To that end, diplomatic postings should be entrusted to individuals whose lives reflect fidelity, discretion, and a strong moral compass. The danger of compromising such standards is not theoretical, history has offered us tragic examples. During the Cold War, betrayals within diplomatic circles threatened not only state secrets but the moral confidence of nations. The infamous Guy Burgess of the Cambridge Five, a British diplomat turned Soviet agent, demonstrated how ideological duplicity and personal weakness could sabotage a nation’s strategic standing. He was not alone; others, too, sold loyalties for ideology, comfort, or coin. These tales still ring true. Against this historical backdrop, the rumoured nomination of Mr Reno Omokri as an ambassador shocking. This is not a question of political affiliation or partisan sentiment...

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says the  Investment and Securities Act (ISA  2025 ) has made it illegal for anyone to operate digital asset exchanges or online foreign exchange trading platforms without formal registration. This is contained in a statement by SEC made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAA) on Sunday in Abuja. The statement reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to innovation while maintaining strict oversight. According to SEC, it is an offence in Nigeria for any entity that is not registered by the commission to carry out the business of online foreign exchange trading platforms or related services. “Any business entity with the plan of setting up a business in any of this area is advised to visit the commission for further directive on how to register to avoid sanctions. ”We welcome innovations, but it must occur within a regulated environment that protects investors and maintains the integrity of our market. “With ISA  2025  n...

By Afolabi Olajuwon A Comprehensive Analysis of Faith at Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja Theme: At The Cross: Condemnation Turned To Conquest Topic: "We Can Live a Crucified Life"! Text: Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:13-14 Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025 On a transformative Sunday at the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu imparted a message of profound theological significance. His sermon, "We Can Live a Crucified Life"!, was embedded in the overarching theme "At The Cross: Condemnation Turned To Conquest," delivering insights that reverberated deeply with the congregation. Rooted in the scriptures of Galatians 2:20 and 3:13-14, the sermon explored the dynamics of living a life crucified with Christ, enabling believers to transform condemnation into victorious living. Theological Foundation: The Cross as the Turning Point Rev. Idowu anchored his sermon on the foundat...