FaithWatch Daily and Midnight Call- Sept 14th, 2025
🌍 Global / Africa Highlights
- The WHO has begun Ebola vaccinations in southern Kasai province, Democratic Republic of Congo, after a new outbreak—at least 16 deaths and 68 suspected cases. An initial batch of 400 doses of the Ervebo vaccine has been sent, with tens of thousands more approved.
- In Abuja, Nigeria, government leaders are pushing for a “Big Push” to end malaria in Africa, calling for domestic solutions and sustained financing rather than over-reliance on external aid.
- Nigeria is endeavouring to elevate adolescent health and development. Today’s National Policy Dialogue discussed plans for enhancing youth sexual and reproductive health via multisector collaboration, engaging stakeholders from multiple states.
- Foreign policy angle: Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, called on African countries to fully own their democratic processes—insisting that democracy must be rooted locally rather than driven by outside expectations.
🇳🇬 Nigeria News & Updates
- Nigeria’s exports to the US dropped sharply—imports from Nigeria were cut by about 40% in a month, from about $639 million in June to $379 million in July. The decline intensifies concerns about Nigeria’s access to and trade relationship with a major market.
- The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike, giving the Federal Government an additional two-week ultimatum to address issues such as unpaid allowances.
- A kits controversy has emerged in Nigeria’s track & field contingent in Tokyo: Tobi Amusan publicly complained about the low-quality and inadequate quantity of competition kits provided to Nigerian athletes, in contrast to what other countries have.
⚽ Sports Highlights (Nigeria / Africa)
- Kanyinsola Ajayi has made history, becoming the first Nigerian man in 18 years to make the 100m final at the World Athletics Championships since Olusoji Fasuba (2007). He clocked 9.93 seconds in the semifinal and ran 10.00 seconds in the final.
- Israel Okon also advanced to the men’s 100m semifinals in Tokyo, posting a strong performance in his heat.
- Chukwuebuka Enekwechi finished 5th in the shot put final, with his best throw of 21.52m. Earlier qualifications saw him throw 20.83m to reach the final.
✨ Religious Highlights
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Pope Leo XIV Honors Modern Christian Martyrs
On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Pope Leo XIV led an ecumenical prayer service at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The ceremony commemorated 1,624 Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, and Protestants who have been killed for their faith between 2000 and 2025. The Pope emphasized that their witness—rooted in love, not violence—is a powerful testimony. -
“No One Can Silence Their Voice”
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV stated, despite persecution, the voices of martyrs stand unbowed. Christians from many traditions, even though separated by denomination, are united in their suffering and faith. Their examples are seen as seeds of hope and unity. -
Birthday Blessings for Pope Leo XIV
Church leaders and faithful around the world sent warm greetings to Pope Leo XIV on his 70th birthday. In comments, global leaders echoed his calls for peace, justice, and dialogue in an era marked by rising conflict and division. -
Reorganization of LDS Church Leadership in Nigeria
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reorganized its stake presidencies in several countries, including Nigeria. The Ibadan Stake presidency saw new leadership appointments under President Olusola Taiwo Ojo.
🌙 Midnight Call – The Voice That Cannot Be Silenced
Today’s news reminds us of many struggles—disease outbreaks, political debates, economic uncertainties, and sporting triumphs. Yet, in the midst of it all, one truth shines brighter: the voice of faith cannot be silenced.
From Rome, Pope Leo XIV reminded the world that over 1,600 Christians—Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, and Protestants—have laid down their lives since the year 2000 because of their belief in Christ. They were not united by denominational creeds but by their willingness to stand firm for the cross. Their deaths were not in vain, for their witness is a living testimony that faith thrives even under the weight of hatred.
In Nigeria, we see echoes of this same resilience. Despite economic strain, strikes, and insecurity, believers gather in worship, young people rise with hope, and the Church continues to speak truth to power. Even the trials of our time—the decline of trade, the struggle against malaria, the outcry of athletes for fairness—remind us that our world groans for justice, healing, and truth.
The Apostle Paul once declared:
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9)
This is the midnight message: Darkness may roar, but it cannot drown out the light of Christ. Just as the martyrs stood firm, we too are called to stand—whether in boardrooms, classrooms, marketplaces, or pulpits. Our witness today may not be through blood, but through integrity, courage, and unyielding love in the face of compromise.
As we step into a new week, may the memory of the martyrs inspire us to live boldly, pray fervently, and work faithfully. Their voices were not silenced, and neither shall ours—because the Word of God endures forever.
✨ Midnight Prayer:
Lord, strengthen us to be unashamed witnesses of Your truth. May our lives echo the testimony of those who went before us, that we too may be lights in the darkness. Amen.
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