Pastor David Abioye condemned attempts to deny Christian killings in Nigeria and labelled those dismissing the crisis as wicked people

US envoy Massad Boulos dismissed genocide claims and said terrorism in Nigeria affected both Christians and Muslims

Abioye urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith despite persecution and called on God to strengthen believers.

A prominent Nigerian pastor and founder of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, David Abioye, has spoken out against what he described as attempts to deny the ongoing persecution and mass killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing those dismissing the crisis as “wicked people.”

The remarks come shortly after the United States Special Envoy for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, dismissed claims of an ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

Boulos, who serves as a senior adviser to former US President Donald Trump, stated during a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Friday, October 17, that terrorism in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims.

“Those people who are on the ground know that terrorism is religionless, colourless, and tribeless,” Boulos said. “People of all faiths and all nations are being killed because of terrorism. Boko Haram and ISIS have ended up killing more Muslims than Christians.” He added that many violent clashes in Nigeria’s Middle Belt are driven by competition for resources rather than religion. “It is not something that can be said to target any specific religious denomination,” he stated.

Addressing his congregation during a recent service, the pastor lamented the growing distortion surrounding reports of Christian killings in parts of the country. He accused some leaders of deliberately denying the atrocities for personal gain.

“There’s a lot of distortion going on. People are claiming there is no genocide against Christians in this nation. You see people buried in hundreds, and you say there is no genocide. What a wicked set of people!” he said passionately

He further warned that the violence, which has claimed thousands of lives in the country’s Middle Belt and northern regions, was gradually spreading southward. “This one is very clear,” he said. “Gradually, it is eating down to the South-South-West, South-East, and many so-called leaders, for their personal interest, are claiming it’s not happening. They are selling out their faith.”

The pastor, invoking the words of Jesus Christ, encouraged Christians not to lose faith in the face of persecution. “Jesus said, ‘When I come, will I find faith?’ We are standing here to say to Jesus, the faith will keep standing,” he declared. “Raise your voice and pray, Father, strengthen the brethren, strengthen the faith.”

The issue of Christian persecution in Nigeria has long been a point of contention between local religious leaders and international observers. While Christian groups maintain that their members are being deliberately targeted, some foreign officials insist that the violence is more complex and not purely religious.

Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), has defended his ministry’s practices and origins, asserting that its founding and key decisions, including the acquisition of his private aircraft, were guided by direct divine instructions.

In a video clip circulating on social media, Bishop Oyedepo dismissed any claims of a “co-founder” of the ministry, stating, “This ministry has no co-founder. The first one to hear the mission is this young lady [pointing to his wife],” referring to his wife.

He said that all the founding principles and “12 pillars” of the commission were given to him directly by God, not by men.

The cleric also addressed the often-criticised topic of his private jets, asserting that the decision to acquire them was not his own.

“It was not a discussion. It was God who told me it’s time to get the aircraft,” he said.

Oyedepo also touched on the church’s employment policies, emphasising that the ministry is not run in a loose or informal manner.

He stated that all staff, regardless of their claims of a divine calling, must go through a formal process. “You write an application, you do an interview, you get an employment letter, you respond,” he said.

In conversations about wealth and influence in Africa, Nigeria often takes center stage. While much of the spotlight falls on male billionaires dominating the oil, telecoms, and banking sectors.

A remarkable group of women are shattering glass ceilings and making their mark on the business world. They are the wealthiest women in Nigeria, not only accumulating great fortunes but also inspiring future generations with their drive and ingenuity.

Here are the stories of the top 5 richest women in Nigeria, their backgrounds, business ventures, and the influence they wield.

1. Folorunsho Alakija (Estimated net worth: $1 billion)

Folorunsho Alakija is a true self-made billionaire, defying stereotypes and paving the way for other women in Nigeria. In 2020, Forbes termed Folorunso Alakija the richest woman in Nigeria and “the most powerful woman in Africa.”

She started her career in fashion design, establishing a successful clothing line. However, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to explore new ventures. In the 1990s, Alakija’s company, Famfa Oil, was awarded an oil exploration license, propelling her to the forefront of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. She is also a philanthropist, supporting education initiatives and empowering women through her foundation.

2. Hajia Bola Shagaya (Estimated net worth: $950 million)

Hajia Bola Shagaya’s journey began in the civil service, working as an auditor for the Central Bank of Nigeria. However, her entrepreneurial spirit soon took hold. She started by importing photographic equipment, laying the foundation for her successful business group, Bolmus Group International.

This diversified conglomerate has interests in oil and gas, real estate, banking, and photography. Shagaya is a prominent figure in Nigerian business circles and a role model for aspiring women entrepreneurs.

3. Daisy Danjuma (Estimated net worth: $900 Million)

Daisy Danjuma is the wife of retired Nigerian General Theophilus Danjuma, a prominent businessman. While details of her early career are limited, she has become a powerful figure in her own right.

Danjuma is the co-founder of Afenmai Austeniti Limited, an oil and gas exploration company. She is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

4. Fifi Ekanem Ejindu (Estimated net worth: $850 million)

Fifi Ekanem Ejindu is an architect, entrepreneur, and benefactor with familial ties to King James Ekpo Bassey of Cobham Town, Calabar. She ranks among the foremost female architects in Nigeria and established the Starcrest Group of Companies, encompassing real estate development, architectural design, and investment sectors.

Her fortune is estimated at approximately $850 million. In 2013, she was honoured with the African Achievers Award for Lifetime Achievement in Arts and Fashion.

Renowned for her innovative and neo-traditional approach to architecture, Fifi continues to make significant impacts in her field.

5. Stella Okoli (Estimated net worth: $800 million)

Stella Okoli, an industrious pharmacist, business leader, and philanthropist, is the driving force behind Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries LTD. From a humble pharmacy, she has grown her business into a pharmaceutical giant valued at $800 million.

She also holds leadership roles as the Vice President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.

In memory of her son Chike Okoli, who passed away in 2005, she founded the Chike Okoli Foundation in 2006. This charity aims to fight poverty and diseases, with a special focus on preventing cardiovascular diseases. Stella Okoli also manages the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies.