Faith
Pastor Andimi’s Faith Should Inspire All Nigerians
By Muhammadu Buhari
President of Nigeria eulogizes Brethren leader executed by Boko Haram, and criticizes terrorist efforts to divide Christians and Muslims in Africa’s most populous state.
Nigerians everywhere, those of belief and those of none, are mourning the death of pastor Lawan Andimi, taken from us by Boko Haram for his refusal to denounce his Christian faith.
I did not know Pastor Andimi personally.
Yet Nigerians and I both know him and his church by their works: healing, caring, feeding and educating, particularly in the northeastern regions of my country—in those areas threatened for too long by terrorists. Every day, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) places itself there bravely where the brotherhood of man is most in need of sustenance.Pastor Andimi’s ministry was located only 60 miles from the town of Chibok, from where in 2014 the world witnessed the shocking kidnapping of 267 schoolgirls. That even one individual—this time a man of the church—could still be taken by the terror group seven years later might be viewed as evidence the terrorists are fully functional, and undefeated. But it is not.
Since I was first elected to office in 2015, 107 of the Chibok girls have been freed. Today we seek the others. Boko Haram are no longer one, unified threat, but fractured into several rivals. These splinters are themselves degraded: reduced to criminal acts which—nonetheless no less cruel—target smaller and smaller numbers of the innocent. We owe thanks to the Nigerian defense forces, bolstered by our partnership with the British, American militaries and other countries that we are winning this struggle in the field.
But we may not, yet, be completely winning the battle for the truth. Christianity in Nigeria is not—as some seem intent on believing—contracting under pressure, but expanding and growing in numbers approaching half of our population today. Nor is it the case that Boko Haram is primarily targeting Christians: not all of the Chibok schoolgirls were Christians; some were Muslims, and were so at the point at which they were taken by the terrorists. Indeed, it is the reality that some 90 per cent of all Boko Haram’s victims have been Muslims: they include a copycat abduction of over 100 Muslim schoolgirls, along with their single Christian classmate; shootings inside mosques; and the murder of two prominent imams. Perhaps it makes for a better story should these truths, and more, be ignored in the telling.
It is a simple fact that these now-failing terrorists have targeted the vulnerable, the religious, the non-religious, the young, and the old without discrimination. And at this point, when they are fractured, we cannot allow them to divide good Christians and good Muslims from those things that bind us all in the sight of God: faith, family, forgiveness, fidelity, and friendship to each other.
Yet sadly, there is a tiny, if vocal, minority of religious leaders—both Muslim and Christian—who appear more than prepared to take their bait and blame the opposite religious side. The terrorists today attempt to build invisible walls between us. They have failed in their territorial ambitions, so now instead they seek to divide our state of mind, by prying us from one from another—to set one religion seemingly implacably against the other.
Translated into English, Boko Haram means “Western teachings are sinful.” They claim as “proof” passages of the Quran which state that Muslims should fight “pagans” to be justification for attacks on Christians and those Muslims who hold no truck with them. They are debased by their wilful misreading of scripture—at least those of them who are able to read at all.
Of course, there is much of Christianity and Islam—both in teaching and practice—that are not the same. Were that not so, there would be no need for the separateness of the two religions. Yet though these unread terrorists seem not to know it, there is much between our two faiths—both the word and the scripture—that run in parallel.
For the Bible teaches, “Each one must give as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion” (2 Cor. 9:7), while the Quran states: “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256). Similarly, the Bible states: “For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror” (James 1:23). The Quran concurs: “Those who believe and do good works, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward” (35:7).
I call on Nigeria’s faith leaders, and Nigerians everywhere, to take these words of concord—and the many more that exist—to their hearts and their deeds. Just as my government, and our international partners, quicken our campaign to defeat Boko Haram within and without our borders, we must turn our minds to the future. There is no place in Nigeria for those who seek to divide us by religion, who compel others to change their faith forcibly, or try to convince others that by so doing, they are doing good.
Rather, we might all learn from the faith and works of Pastor Andimi. There seems little doubt he acted selflessly in so many regards—giving alms and prayers to both Christians and Muslims who suffered at the hands of the terrorists. And he passed from us, rightly refusing to renounce his faith that was not for his captors to take, any more than his life. His belief and his deeds are a lesson and an inspiration to all of us.
By Abiodun Lawal
Lufuwape (Ogun), April 27, 2025 The Nigerian Baptist Convention says individual’s closeness to God remained the greatest factor in addressing various challenges.
President of the convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, stated this at a Sunday Service held at the Baptist International Convention Centre in Lufuwape, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Baptist’s 112th Annual Convention kicked off on Saturday to end on May 1.
NAN reports that the theme of the convention is: “Entering into Newness through Fasting and Prayer”.
Akanji who took his sermon from the book of Luke 8 vs 1 to 8 , noted that prayers remained an act of faith and called on Nigerians to focus on God who solves problems rather than the problems.
He said it was important to believe in possibilities and have the conviction that only God answers prayers.
The Baptist President cited example of a widow who was not afraid, annoyed or ashamed of her challenges but kept moving until she overcame the challenges with her closeness to God.
“We should run away from factors that will make us sin against God, we should love one another. We should not allow our adversaries to make us a failure.
“We should focus on God who solves problems. Keep making attempt on your goal, don’t give up , then believe in possibilities,” he said.
Akanji emphasised that the Baptist as a movement, was entering into newness through fasting and prayer as a vehicle to be able to experience newness in their lives and the country.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
The Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially flagged -off distribution of Uniforms and 8kg hand luggage’s to the intending pilgrims for this year’s pilgrimage as part of the arrangements lineup for 2025/1446 Hajj exercise to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Performing a symbolic Flagg-off on at the Board headquarters in Minna, officials gathered to witness the beginning of the pilgrimage preparations.
In his remarks during the Symbolic distribution, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu noted that the distribution is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and hitch free pilgrimage experience for the intending pilgrims from the State.
The Executive Secretary represented by the Director Administration of the Board, Babani Aliyu Yahaya while making the symbolic presentation to the Area Pilgrims Welfare Officer( APWO) of Chanchaga Local Government, who is the Chairman of the APWO’s in the State, maintained that the uniforms and the 8kg Hand luggage belongs to the intending pilgrims who have completed their payments only, ensuring that they are well prepared for the spiritual journey.
He said the 8kg hand luggage provided to the Area Pilgrim Welfare Officers (APWOs) is designed to help manage the personal belongings of the pilgrims, ensuring that they travel light and efficiently.
The Director Administration of the Board, use the medium to call on those who are yet to complete their payments to quickly do so, while urging those that have the intention to do so as quickly as possible.
In his remarks, after receiving the Uniforms and 8kg luggage for the pilgrims of Chanchaga Local Government and the Chairman of the APWO’s, Alhaji Abu Sufyanu Siri Siri promised to judiciously distribute the items to the intending pilgrims while assuring that he will uphold the highest standards of service as they prepare to assist the pilgrims in their spiritual journey.
This initiative which is an annual exercise is to provide broader strategy to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience, addressing logistics challenges that pilgrims often face.
The event was attended by the management of the Board and some APWO’s.
Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board remains committed to ensuring that all intending pilgrims to have a fulfilling and memorable experience, underscoring the significance of the sacred journey.
….Position on Military Intervention
Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Economic Community Of West Africa States (ECOWAS) not to use military intervention to resolve the current crisis in Niger.
In a recent statement signed by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the apex Christian association commended President Ahmed Tinubu, and other heads of ECOWAS for their unwavering commitment to discouraging coups d’état and the forceful takeover of power.
“We also applaud their commendable efforts in resolving the crisis currently faced by our neighbours in the Republic of Niger.
“CAN fully recognizes the gravity of the situation in Niger and the importance of upholding democratic principles, peace, and stability within the West African region. We believe that the peaceful resolution of conflicts is vital for the progress and well-being of our nations and our people.
Read Also: Niger Coup: Activate Standby Force, ECOWAS Orders Defence Chiefs
“We applaud President Ahmed Tinubu for adopting a diplomatic approach in addressing the crisis by sending a high-level delegation, led by the eminent statesman General Abdulsalam Abubakar, to engage with the Nigerien authorities. This diplomatic overture demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and his belief in the power of constructive engagement to foster understanding and resolve conflicts.
“Furthermore, we commend the inclusion of the esteemed Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, in the delegation. This representation showcases the unity of purpose and the collaborative spirit of Nigerian leaders, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries to jointly pursue peace in our region.
“CAN also commends the notable efforts of other prominent leaders, who have engaged with the Nigerien authorities in their personal capacities, leveraging private contacts. Their wisdom, experience, and counsel will undoubtedly contribute to the resolution of the crisis in Niger and the restoration of peace and stability in the region
“As an organization deeply committed to promoting justice, peace, and harmony, CAN urges Tinubu, to remain on the path of dialogue and avoid any form of military intervention or measures that would create enmity between the good people of Nigeria and Niger. We firmly believe that the path to lasting peace lies in upholding democratic processes, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and engaging in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and resolve conflicts.
“We implore all stakeholders involved in this matter to embrace peaceful negotiations, exercise restraint, and tirelessly work towards a sustainable resolution of the crisis in Niger. It is crucial to remember that peace is a collective responsibility, and only through joint efforts and unwavering commitment can we build a future of progress, stability, and prosperity for our nations, the statement read.
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