Bishop David Oyedepo Issues Fiery Declaration: "Nigeria Will Never Become an Islamic State" Amid Rising Insecurity

 In a powerful sermon that has ignited nationwide discourse, renowned Nigerian cleric and founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners' Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, boldly declared that Nigeria will never succumb to becoming an Islamic state, vowing divine intervention against the escalating tide of violence and extremism targeting Christians.

Delivering the message during the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service at Faith Tabernacle in Ota on Sunday, Bishop Oyedepo addressed a congregation reeling from recent horrific attacks, including the kidnapping of over 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Private Catholic School in Niger State, and a deadly assault on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, where two worshippers were killed and 38 abducted. "The church of Christ in Nigeria is indestructible. The gates of hell cannot prevail against thee," the bishop proclaimed, identifying the perpetrators as "Islamic jihadists roaring" in a war to eradicate Christians from the nation.

Bishop Oyedepo, whose ministry reaches millions globally through faith-based teachings and philanthropy, emphasized Nigeria's unalterable spiritual destiny. "No group will be allowed to alter the nation’s destiny," he stated, urging believers to rise in fervent prayer. In a clarion call to action, he directed church members to engage in one-hour midnight prayer sessions and announced a seven-day nationwide prayer campaign to avert anarchy and invoke God's justice. "Every sympathiser, beneficiary, and anyone backing this evil will be brought down this time," he thundered, invoking biblical authority: "God has touched my tongue with a coal of fire; whatever I say, I see."

The declaration, captured in viral videos circulating across social media, has sparked widespread reactions. Supporters hail it as a prophetic stand for religious freedom and national sovereignty, with one online commenter noting, "Bishop Oyedepo is speaking truth to power at a time when Nigeria needs it most." Critics and security analysts, however, underscore the urgency for governmental response, amplifying calls for decisive action against terrorism.

Bishop Oyedepo's longstanding commitment to spiritual warfare and national healing underscores the gravity of his words. As a beacon of faith in Africa, his ministry has empowered countless lives through education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation initiatives via the David Oyedepo Foundation. This latest pronouncement reaffirms his role as a moral compass, reminding Nigerians that prayer and unity can fortify the nation's foundations against division and despair.

As the seven-day prayer vigil commences, Bishop Oyedepo invites all people of goodwill to join in seeking peace and protection for Nigeria's diverse tapestry. "The battle is raging, but we belong to a higher realm of authority," he concluded. In these trying times, his voice echoes a resolute promise: Nigeria's future remains in divine hands, unyielding to fear or force.

About Bishop David Oyedepo

Bishop David Oyedepo is the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, a global ministry headquartered in Ota, Nigeria, with over 21,000 churches in six continents. A prolific author, educator, and philanthropist, he has dedicated his life to advancing faith, prosperity, and justice.

Papa Oyedepo pic.twitter.com/ztUyxVRSf4

— Ijere Thomas Chukwuma, Ph.D (@chucksijere) November 23, 2025

Justin Bieber's Heartwarming Act of Kindness: Pop Star Stops to Help Struggling Musician in Distress

 In a world often dominated by headlines of glamour and spotlight moments, global pop icon Justin Bieber reminded us all of the power of simple human connection. On a seemingly ordinary day in Malibu, California, the Grammy-winning artist pulled over to assist aspiring musician Buku, whose car had broken down on the side of the road amid a cascade of personal hardships.

Buku, a talented up-and-coming artist known on TikTok as @bukumusic, was in the midst of documenting his frustrations—venting about the relentless challenges of pursuing dreams in a bustling new city—when fate intervened in the form of Bieber. As Buku stood by his stalled vehicle, overwhelmed and alone, the "Sorry" singer approached without hesitation, crouching down to assess the mechanical issue and offering genuine support.

The interaction, captured in a now-viral TikTok video titled "Meeting Justin Bieber 🫶🏽 Unforgettable moment…," has amassed millions of views, showcasing Bieber's empathy in action. "What happened?" Bieber asked warmly, listening intently as Buku shared his struggles. The two shared an emotional exchange, with Bieber even leading a personal prayer for Buku's journey ahead before parting ways. "I love you, bro," Buku said, to which Bieber replied, "Love you too. Yes, sir."

This unscripted moment of compassion has resonated deeply with fans and netizens alike, sparking an outpouring of praise for Bieber's down-to-earth kindness. "God literally sent you Justin Bieber," one commenter wrote, while another quipped, "Is Justin Bieber your fairy godmother?" Others highlighted the singer's own history of vulnerability, noting how his openness about personal battles with inadequacy makes this gesture all the more inspiring.

Bieber, who has long been an advocate for mental health and positivity through initiatives like his support for music therapy programs, continues to embody the values he champions. This act aligns seamlessly with the family-oriented reflections he shared on Instagram just months ago, underscoring a commitment to uplifting others in everyday ways.

Buku reflected on the encounter as a turning point: "My life is crazy," he shared in the video, his voice filled with gratitude. For a struggling artist facing breakdowns—both literal and figurative—this breakthrough came not from a recording studio, but from the side of a Malibu road.

As Bieber's team has yet to issue an official statement, the story speaks volumes on its own: true stardom shines brightest off-stage. In an era craving authenticity, Bieber's random act of kindness serves as a beacon, proving that heroes don't always wear capes—they just stop to help.

About Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor whose career has spanned over a decade, selling millions of records worldwide and earning numerous awards, including a Grammy. Beyond the music, Bieber is dedicated to philanthropy and mental health awareness.

@bukumusic Meeting Justin Bieber 🫶🏽 Unforgettable moment… #justinbieber #godlovesyou ♬ original sound - Buku

Rapper Nadia Nakai Postpones Single Release in Solidarity with GBV Protest

 South African hip-hop sensation Nadia Nakai has announced the postponement of her highly anticipated single "Really," featuring Nasty C, originally slated for release tomorrow, November 21, 2025. The decision serves as a powerful act of solidarity with the nationwide Women for Change shutdown protesting gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.

Nakai, known for her chart-topping hits and unapologetic lyricism, shared the news via an emotional Instagram video on November 19, explaining that while the release date was locked in months ago, the urgency of the moment demanded a pause. "This date was chosen a couple months ago, but I'm going to move my release date for obvious reasons," she said, urging fans to check her now-purple profile picture—a symbol of the movement. "If you don't know, just check my profile picture and what I stand for. Quarter to December. Watch out for that. I also cancelled my gigs on Friday. Enough's enough."

The single, a high-energy collaboration blending Nakai's signature punchy hooks with Nasty C's razor-sharp verses, has been teased as a "call-and-response" anthem inspired by personal triumphs and relational truths. It will now drop on November 28, allowing the artist to fully participate in the shutdown, which calls on women, girls, and the LGBTQI+ community to halt paid and unpaid work for the day, spotlighting South Africa's ongoing GBV crisis. The petition accompanying the protest, demanding GBV be declared a national disaster, has already surpassed one million signatures.

Nakai's move extends beyond music; she has canceled all performances scheduled for November 21, joining thousands who are changing their social media avatars to purple in a wave of visible allyship. Her actions echo a growing chorus from the entertainment industry, where artists are leveraging platforms for social change amid a year that has seen heightened activism around women's rights.

"I'm standing with my sisters because silence isn't an option anymore," Nakai stated in her announcement. "This isn't just about a song—it's about lives. The beat can wait; justice can't."

Fans and advocates have flooded social media with praise, with hashtags like #PurpleShutdown and #NadiaStandsWithWomen trending across platforms. The postponement has sparked broader conversations about the role of artists in activism, with many hailing Nakai as a "queen who gets it right."

Women for Change, the advocacy group spearheading the protest, commended Nakai's commitment in a statement: "Nadia's decision amplifies the voices of survivors and reminds us that true power lies in collective action. We are grateful for allies like her who choose impact over income."

"Really" marks Nakai's first major release since her heartfelt tribute to the late AKA earlier this year, signaling a return to form with themes of resilience and real talk. Pre-save links are live on major streaming platforms, with exclusive behind-the-scenes content promised for the new date.

For more on the G20 Women’s Shutdown, visit womenforchange.co.za. Stream Nadia Nakai's catalog on Spotify, Apple Music, and beyond.

About Nadia Nakai

Nadia Nakai, aka Bragga, is a Johannesburg-based rapper, entrepreneur, and Def Jam Africa signee whose discography includes the platinum-certified album A Girl Should Be Mad. With over 1.5 million monthly listeners, she continues to redefine South African hip-hop through bold storytelling and boundary-pushing collaborations.

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Ariana Grande Tests Positive for COVID-19 as 'Wicked: For Good' Press Tour Hits Major Setback

 In a bittersweet turn of events on the eve of the highly anticipated release of Wicked: For Good, global superstar Ariana Grande has announced that she has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the cancellation of several key promotional appearances and marking a significant setback for the film's whirlwind international press tour.

Grande, who stars as the iconic Glinda the Good Witch alongside Cynthia Erivo's powerhouse portrayal of Elphaba, shared the news via her Instagram Stories on Thursday evening. Posting a candid photo from her recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the 32-year-old singer-actress captioned the image simply: "Moments before Covid." The revelation comes just hours before the film's worldwide theatrical debut today, November 21, 2025, following advanced screenings that kicked off on November 17.

As a precautionary measure, Grande has withdrawn from a scheduled solo segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show, where she was set to join Erivo for a taped discussion. Additionally, upcoming Q&A panels and fan events in New York have been postponed indefinitely. This follows a grueling global press circuit that saw the duo jet-setting across continents—from Brazil and Singapore to London and Los Angeles—amidst a string of high-energy premieres, red-carpet spectacles, and late-night interviews.

The tour has already faced turbulence, including Erivo's recent bout with laryngitis that sidelined her (and Grande in solidarity) from interviews at the New York premiere on November 17. A shocking security breach in Singapore saw a fan breach barriers and lunge at Grande on the yellow carpet, an incident that required intervention from Erivo and heightened security protocols thereafter. Despite these challenges, the unbreakable bond between the co-stars has shone through, with Grande previously halting her own commitments to support Erivo's recovery.

"Ariana is resting comfortably at home under the guidance of her medical team and following all health protocols," said a spokesperson for Universal Pictures. "While this news is disappointing, especially on such a monumental day for Wicked: For Good, her health and well-being remain our top priority. We are grateful for the outpouring of love from fans worldwide and remain committed to celebrating this magical conclusion to the Wicked saga."

Director Jon M. Chu echoed the sentiment in a statement: "Ariana's Glinda has brought pure joy and light to Oz—and to all of us on this journey. We're sending her all our love and a swift recovery. The magic of Wicked: For Good lives on, and we can't wait for audiences to experience it in theaters today."

This isn't the first time COVID-19 has intersected with Grande's Wicked journey; both she and Erivo tested positive during production of the first film in 2023, briefly halting filming. Fans have flooded social media with well-wishes, trending hashtags like #GetWellGlinda and #WickedForAriana, while sharing memes blending the news with the film's themes of resilience and sisterhood.

Wicked: For Good, the electrifying second chapter of Universal Pictures' adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon, picks up where 2024's Wicked left off, delving deeper into the unbreakable friendship between Glinda and Elphaba as they confront the Wizard's (Jeff Goldblum) deceptions and fight for the soul of Oz. Featuring original songs by Stephen Schwartz alongside showstoppers like "For Good," the film boasts a stellar ensemble including Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Bowen Yang. Early projections forecast a record-breaking Thanksgiving opening, surpassing the first film's $112.5 million domestic debut.

Tickets are available now at Fandango and participating theaters. For the latest updates on Grande's recovery and rescheduled appearances, follow @WickedMovie on social media.

“We Are Going Through a Lot as a Nation – Let’s Stand Strong Together” – Davido Leads Emotional Minute of Silence at Sold-Out Atlanta Concert to Honor Victims of Nigeria’s Recent Tragedies

 In a profoundly moving gesture that bridged continents and unified thousands in solidarity, global Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, known worldwide as Davido, paused his electrifying performance midway through his sold-out 5ive Alive Tour concert at the iconic State Farm Arena to observe a minute of silence for the victims of escalating violence and insecurity plaguing Nigeria.

The heartfelt moment unfolded on Thursday, November 20, 2025, before a rapt audience of over 21,000 fans—many waving Nigerian flags and clad in green-white-green apparel—at the 21,000-capacity venue. As spotlights dimmed and the pulsating energy of the show gave way to solemn quiet, Davido, visibly emotional, addressed the crowd with a raw plea for unity and reflection.

“We are going through a lot as a nation right now. From the church attack in Eruku, Kwara State, where worshippers were gunned down during service, to the heartbreaking kidnapping of innocent schoolchildren in Kebbi State—we stand strong together. Can we have a moment of silence, please?” Davido said, his voice steady yet laced with the weight of shared grief.

The arena fell into an eerie, respectful hush, broken only by the soft hum of air conditioning and occasional sniffles from the audience. For a full 60 seconds, the superstar and his fans stood in collective mourning, heads bowed, honoring not just the immediate victims but the countless lives upended by banditry, terrorism, and systemic failures. As the silence concluded, Davido raised his fist in defiance, declaring, “To those sponsoring this insecurity and chaos—may shame follow you forever. Nigeria will rise!”

The viral video of the tribute, shared directly by Davido on his Instagram (@davido) with over 30 million followers, has amassed more than 10 million views in under 24 hours, sparking a global wave of support. Fans from Lagos to London flooded social media with messages of gratitude, while the moment trended worldwide under #DavidoMinuteOfSilence, #StandStrongNigeria, and #JusticeForNigeriaVictims.

This act of remembrance arrives amid a harrowing week for Nigeria: On November 16, armed assailants stormed a Catholic church in Kwara State, firing indiscriminately and leaving parishioners traumatized; just days later, gunmen abducted dozens of schoolgirls from a boarding school in Kebbi, echoing the infamous Chibok kidnappings of 2014. Davido’s intervention—delivered from the heart of the African diaspora—has been hailed as a beacon of compassionate leadership, drawing parallels to his previous advocacy during the #EndSARS protests and his philanthropy through the David Adeleke Foundation.

Reactions poured in from peers and public figures:

Wizkid (via Instagram Story): “Starboy salutes OBO. This is what real kings do—lift the voice of the people. 🇳🇬”

Burna Boy (Twitter): “Proud of my brother. Silence speaks louder than songs sometimes. Africa unite.”

Tems: “Heart heavy, but your light shines bright, David. Praying for our home.”

Amnesty International Nigeria: “Davido’s platform turns pain into power. We echo his call: End the violence now. #FreeOurChildren”

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara State): “Thank you, Davido, for keeping our plight in the global spotlight. Justice will come.”

Davido, whose 5ive Alive Tour has shattered records with sold-out shows across North America, Europe, and Africa, used the platform to reaffirm his commitment to his roots. “Being away doesn’t mean we forget. Every beat I drop is for Naija. Let’s keep pushing for change—vote with your voice, support the vulnerable, and hold leaders accountable,” he added post-performance.

The concert resumed with renewed vigor, blending hits like “Unavailable,” “Feel,” and “Twe Twe” into a cathartic celebration of resilience, but the minute of silence lingered as the evening’s defining underscore—a reminder that even in arenas of joy, the shadows of home demand acknowledgment.

As Nigeria grapples with over 150 reported abductions and attacks in the past month alone, Davido’s tribute underscores the role of artists as cultural diplomats, amplifying cries for peace and justice on the world stage.